CWAC moves to protect business parks from resi conversions
Summary
Cheshire West and Chester Council is proposing Article 4 Directions for three major employment areas in order to remove permitted development rights for office-to-residential conversions. The move is intended to protect workspace, support local businesses and investment, and ensure any residential development is subject to planning control and space standards.
Why it matters
Surveyors advising owners, occupiers or investors in employment land need to note the potential loss of permitted development rights and the increased planning hurdle for conversions. It also signals a wider policy approach to safeguarding strategic business locations from residential pressure.
Key points
- Article 4 Directions are proposed for Chester Business Park, Sealand Industrial Estate and Gadbrook Park.
- The directions would remove permitted development rights for office-to-residential conversions.
- The council cites protection of 1.57m sq ft of employment space and more than 6,500 jobs.
- A 12-month lead-in would apply if the cabinet approves the measure.
- The council references concerns about space standards and impacts on local business investment.
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