Council Moves to Stop Offices and Shops Being Converted into Flats
Hounslow could remove permitted development rights next year
Schemes such as Empire House in Chiswick have been enabled by permitted development rights
April 20, 2024
Hounslow Council is to proceed with a new ruling which will make it more difficult to convert office space and shops into housing in the borough.
A report presented to the council at the end of last year argued that permitted development rights (PDR), introduced by the government in 2021, could restrict economic growth in the borough by reducing the supply of commercial property.
PDR means that commercial uses could change to housing without a full planning permission. A separate right introduced in 2020 allows developers to demolish commercial buildings and replace them with housing, again without full planning permission.
It was therefore proposed that the council issued an Article 4 Direction (A4D) affecting town centres, neighbourhood centres and employment areas across the borough limiting PDR.
The Article 4 direction was approved by Hounslow Council’s Cabinet in December 2023. It is proposed that the direction shall come into force on 19 April 2025 subject to consideration of any representations received during the consultation period and the direction being confirmed by the Council.
To limit any potential compensation liability, the A4D is being made on a non-immediate basis with a one year notice period being given.
A copy of the direction, including a map defining the area covered, can be viewed on the Council’s website or at the Council’s offices at Hounslow House, 7 Bath Road, Hounslow, TW3 3EB and at all local libraries during opening times.
Representations on the direction can be made to the Council in writing from Friday 19 April until Friday 31 May 2024. To make representations, email spp@hounslow.gov.uk. If you would like to send representations by post the address is Spatial Planning, Hounslow House, 7 Bath Road, Hounslow TW3 3EB.
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