Retailers may be able to take advantage of "click and collect" services under a Department for Communities and Local government (DCLG) planning law consultation. The DCLG is reviewing permitted development rights, which would allow the erection without planning permission of small, ancillary buildings at existing retail sites to facilitate customers who have ordered goods online to collect those goods at physical stores, complementing a retailers 'bricks and clicks' offering.

The consultation proposes buildings up to four metres in height with a gross floor space with up to 20m², subject to prior approval of certain design details by the local planning authority. These permitted development rules would bring benefits to retailers by reducing the expense, time and administrative costs of applying for planning permission for these services.

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