Plans are being put forward to make it easier to turn shops into homes - Credit: Polly Hancock The Hampstead Neighbourhood Forum (HNF) has labelled the government’s proposals to extend permitted development rights as “disastrous”. HNF said local businesses in NW3 would be lost and a “bedroom community” created under plans to make it easier for commercial properties to be turned into homes. The move would represent a widening of permitted development rights, which allow certain works to be approved without a planning application. The government said the proposals would help "diversify" high streets and give “more flexibility for much-needed housing”.