Last month Bexley Council decided to open a consultation on a ‘Non-Immediate Article 4 Direction’. It would have an impact on planning in the area, so they want businesses and property owners to give their feedback. We want to have a closer look at the proposal here and the impact. Then, if you want guaranteed rent in Bexley, you can rely on us.

Commercial to residential conversion

The Council has chosen to propose the changes to planning laws in response to the number of shops that have become homes. Current permitted development rights allow property owners to do this kind of project without getting planning permission.

However, the local authority has concerns about the loss of commercial space and the impact on jobs. They want to ensure there is a proper balance between providing housing and ensuring that the areas remain viable for shopping.

Changes

To address the issue, Bexley Council is proposing a change to the planning laws. This would mean that any commercial to residential conversion would require a planning application. The local authority would then consider it, comparing to the Development Plan for the borough.

The change would not mean that projects are no longer acceptable. Instead, it would give the Council the power to ensure they are right for the areas. They could grant permission, impose conditions, or ask for changes to plans.

If the change does come in, it would cover 13 town centres in Bexley. It would therefore help to provide protection for all of the major commercial areas. This could be very useful for investors. You can contact us to discuss services like guaranteed rent in Bexley.

What next?

The consultation opened on 6th November. It will be open for three months, until 5pm on 5th February. As a result, locals and businesses have plenty of time to share their views.

Before giving feedback, the Council urges stakeholders to have a look at the Article 4 Direction and all of the documents to support it. There is even a map to show which areas it would affect. The easiest way to view the details is on the council’s website here. Or, you can view paper copies at the council office in Bexleyheath or local libraries.

Talk to us about guaranteed rent in Bexley

Investing in housing can be a really great idea, especially when it is popular areas with lots of demand. A good property can deliver a stable income for a very long time. We can help here. Our services to guarantee rent ensure you get a payment every single month. That is fantastic for your finances and means you never have trouble with tenants not paying.

If you want to try guaranteed rent in Bexley, please contact us. We can set everything up quickly, and even offer advice about how to speed it up.