The Government is set to announce measures in the Budget to make it easier for companies in England to convert commercial property into private dwellings.
The BBC has learned that soon planning permission would no longer be required by developers.
The government says this should result in up to 250,000 additional houses or flats being created.
The plan would require changes to existing legislation.
The new rules could be in place before the end of the year.
They would not apply to shops.

BT are the first to cash in.
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