News

There is currently an Article 4 Direction which covers a number of office locations in Brighton and Hove including:

 

• Central Brighton, New England Quarter and London Road Area
• Edward Street Quarter, Edward Street, Brighton
• City Park, The Droveway, Hove

 

The Article 4 Direction removes permitted development rights for the change of use from office to residential use, and therefore planning permission is required.

 

This Article 4 Direction is due to lapse on 31^st July 2022 and the Council are currently consulting on a new Article 4 Direction to restrict the change of use, however this is not due to become effective until 30^th January 2023. As a result, there is a 6-month window of opportunity to apply for a change of use from Class E (which includes offices) to residential, subject to meeting the following Class MA Conditions:

 

• Buildings must be vacant for a period of three months before the prior approval application is submitted
• Cumulative floorspace changing use of up to 1,500 sq m
• Considerations:
  • Transport impacts
  • Contamination
  • Flood Risk
  • Impact of noise from commercial premises
  • Provision of adequate natural light
  • Impact on the intended occupiers of the development of the introduction of residential use
  • Fire safety (where the development meets the fire risk condition)

 

The window of opportunity is relatively small, so speak to our planning team today for initial advice regarding unlocking the full potential of your office building.