As of today (January 8), changes have been implemented to manage the conversion of buildings from commercial, business, and service into residential use within designated industrial areas in Bexley.
This move was motivated by mounting local concerns about the growing number of offices and other commercial buildings in the borough’s industrial sites that are being turned into homes under permitted development rights.
The council has decided to implement a non-immediate Article 4 Direction to bring such developments under planning control.
This means that a planning application will now be required for such conversions.
The council will then be able to assess and determine the suitability of any proposed changes to residential use, and impose relevant conditions as needed.
This does not mean that this type of development is unacceptable, but it offers the council the chance to consider all relevant implications.
Bexley’s cabinet member for growth, Councillor Munur, said: “We want to make sure we secure good growth for the borough.
“This planning change will provide us with the additional controls we need to ensure that the right balance is struck between protecting local jobs and meeting housing needs.”
The introduction of the non-immediate Article 4 Direction is the result of a statutory public consultation that lasted for 13 weeks, from December 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024.
For more information, visit the London Borough of Bexley’s website.
