Brighton & Hove City Council has introduced measures
to protect office space in central Brighton. Councillors have confirmed an
article 4 direction which means developers must obtain planning permission to
change the use of their offices to residential space. The council made the
decision following a temporary change in planning law introduced by the
government in May 2013 that has removed the need to obtain planning permission
for change of use from office space to residential. The council and their
partners in economic development of the city fear that this could affect the
city’s business growth. The Council is one of the first in the country to
implement an article 4 direction in the city to ensure owners of office
buildings still need planning permission. It will also enable the council to
negotiate community benefits and affordable housing if change of use is
recommended. Read more on the Brighton’s Future website.
