THE government has asked for changes to Brighton and Hove City Council’s article four direction which prevents office space in the city centre being turned into homes.
At present developers must obtain planning permission to change the use of their offices to residential space in central Brighton, New England Quarter and London Road, as well as the Edward Street Quarter and City Park office sites.
This is despite the introduction by the government of a temporary change in planning law in May 2013 that removed the need to obtain planning permission for change of use from office space to residential.
Brighton and Hove City Council feared the relaxation could affect the city’s business growth and introduced a measure that would mean permission was still required in certain areas.
Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty, chairman of the city’s planning committee, said: “We recognise the pressing need for new homes but have to find a balance between homes and jobs.”
Developers who had already secured approval to convert office buildings to residential before July 25 will not be affected following intervention by the Secretary of State.
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