RBWM is asking residents for their views on plans to stop business premises from being converted to residentialuse without full planning permission.
The consultation will run until 12 March 2024.
At present, developers have the right to change sites from commercial use into living accommodation via a fast-track checklist route. This limits a council’s ability to intervene where such change would be detrimental to the neighbourhood.
The council would like to hear from residents, parish councils, landlords, developers, commercial property agents and others on the proposal. To take part, visit https://consult.rbwm.gov.uk/kse or use the public-access computers available at all local libraries, where staff are happy to help you get online if needed.
Councillor Adam Bermange, Cabinet member for planning, legal and asset management, said: “We need new housing, but we also need to keep enough space for jobs in the right locations, especially at our most important industrial and business parks. In recent years, the borough has lost a significant amount of much-needed business premises, particularly offices, through national permitted development rights, which unfortunately over-ride local protections. This is not sustainable.”
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