‘Parts of Camden to be exempt’ from controversial new ‘office-to-residential’ building laws

Parts of Camden could become exempt from controversial new government rules allowing the conversion of office space into residential property without planning approval.

Last Wednesday, Camden Council’s cabinet approved plans to identify areas which should be exempt from the new permitted development rights ­introduced in May.

Council officers will now decide which areas should become subject to Article Four Directions, ­requiring property owners to apply for planning permission for office to residential conversions.

Cllr Phil Jones, cabinet member for planning, told the meeting there had been 43 office to residential conversions in Camden since the new laws were introduced.

This was 20,000sqm of office floor space which could represent the loss of 1,600 jobs and be used for 120 affordable homes.

He added: “We need to use our full planning powers in order to consider whether office to residential conversion should take place.”