Issue - meetings

Report DRR 13/055

Members considered the Council’s proposed submission to the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG), concerning the exemption of specific areas of the Borough from the proposed new rules to allow offices to convert to homes without the need for separate planning permission.  The submission was outlined in Appendix A to the report.

Referring to Annex A, page 17, paragraph 3 of the report, Councillor Ince sought clarification on the statement that the Cray Business Corridor contained over 50% of the Borough's designated business land.  Councillor Ince also observed that as the Wards seeking exemption were generally areas of deprivation, a loss of office space would have a major impact on the economy of those areas.

The Acting Chief Planner informed Members that the Cray Valley area also contained a large amount of floor space which, although not currently used as office space, had the potential to be redeveloped or utilised as such.

Councillor Arthur was concerned that the proposed permitted development rights would impact greatly on the Borough's infrastructure.  The 'new homes bonus' would not compensate for the reduction of income from business rates as a result of the loss of office space.  Councillor Arthur emphasised the need to include for exemption, all areas within the Borough which yielded a high business rate income.

Yeoman House in Penge, Orpington Town Centre and Homesdale Road, Bromley were put forward as possible areas for exemption.

Councillor Mellor objected to the proposals commenting that the Greater London Authority perceived them as having a negative impact on London in the future.  He stated that as buildings were designed for a specific purpose or use, former offices would not be suitable for conversion to housing.  The 'new homes bonus' was a short term gain as opposed to the long-term gain of business rate income.  Councillor Mellor strongly supported the exemption of the key areas as recommended, together with the addition of further identified areas within the Borough.

RESOLVED that Appendix A of the report be endorsed as the Council’s submission to the Department of Communities and Local Government.