Lewisham Council takes action on loss of high-street shops and unrestricted HMO conversions

Lewisham Council has changed its planning rules to prevent high-street shops from being turned into flats without planning permission and clamp down on HMO conversions.

Under current national legislation, planning permission is not needed to convert shops and offices into residential properties or turn family homes into Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs). This system of 'permitted development rights’ makes it harder for local authorities to prevent the loss of commercial premises on local high streets and control the expansion of HMOs.

Following a meeting of Mayor and Cabinet, two Article 4 directions have been made which will remove permitted development rights for these types of conversions across the whole borough.

These changes will prevent shops and offices being turned into flats without planning permission, helping protect local high-streets and jobs, as well as reducing the number of poor-quality homes created from converting commercial premises.

Following a review of HMOs across Lewisham, the removal of permitted development rights for HMO conversions aims to tackle overconcentration of HMOs and ensure their growth is properly managed. Combined with the new HMO licensing scheme introduced by the Council in April, these changes will help protect family homes in the borough, provide an appropriate mix of accommodation for all residents and ensure HMOs are of good quality.

The two Article 4 directions will now be subject to a period of consultation, prior to a final decision on confirmation by Mayor and Cabinet. If confirmed, the changes will be subject to review by the Secretary of State.

Cllr Brenda Dacres, Cabinet Member for Housing Development and Planning, said:

“It’s really important that our planning system works for Lewisham and reflects the needs of the borough. Protecting local high streets and controlling the growth of HMOs are both key priorities for local residents - that’s why we’re taking action to address these issues.

“We also want to ensure that commercial space delivered through new developments is used for its intended purpose and helps support the local economy, rather than being turned into additional residential units.”