COUNCIL chiefs are taking action to control office blocks being transformed into residential accommodation in one part of Basingstoke.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council have removed permitted development rights that allow the change of use from commercial to residential in Basing View.

The cabinet has agreed to make an Article four direction which will make it harder for developers to convert offices. They must put in a formal planning application instead of relying on permitted development.

A direction is already in place for Basing View, along with Chineham Business Park and Hampshire International Business Park, but it runs out later this year. It was decided that the order would not be continued on the other two locations due to changes in planning policy which require a higher degree of harm to justify the direction.

READ MORE: Basingstoke council urged to use 'hard data' to help local plan

Council leader Simon Bound said in a report to cabinet that the council has taken steps to “protect the borough’s prime employment site at Basing View from unplanned residential conversions”.

During a consultation into the direction only one response was received from the owner of one of the properties, who stated they needed flexibility to be responsive to market conditions, but it was deemed that it “did not identify any reasons for the council to change its approach”.

The direction will be implemented from September 2022.

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