The implementation of the Article 4 Direction is a significant step in the Council’s broader strategy to support sustainable economic growth
The Hounslow Council has introduced a new Article 4 Direction, which came into effect on 22 April, aimed at enhancing local oversight of development. This measure removes permitted development rights that previously allowed commercial and business spaces to be converted into housing without full planning permission. The move is designed to ensure that future development aligns with local needs and protects local jobs, critical workspace, and services, while also maintaining space for future employment and enterprise.
The Article 4 Direction does not entirely prevent development; however, it mandates that proposals for conversions or changes of use in these areas will now require a formal planning application. This change underscores the Council’s commitment to delivering high-quality, genuinely affordable homes in a manner that supports economic opportunity and strengthens local neighbourhoods.
Tom Bruce, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Assets, Regeneration and Development, highlighted the importance of this initiative. “Our town centres and employment hubs are the backbone of our local economy and our communities,” he said. “They are more than just places of work — they are the beating heart of local life. This Article 4 Direction enables us to take a balanced and strategic approach to development — one that delivers new homes where appropriate, but doesn’t come at the cost of jobs, services, or our long-term economic growth. We need new homes — absolutely — but we must build the right homes, in the right places, balanced with employment and business opportunities as well. This approach will help us deliver that and ensure Hounslow remains a great place to live, work, and invest.”
The implementation of the Article 4 Direction is a significant step in the Council’s broader strategy to support sustainable economic growth and preserve vibrant local centres. It also ensures that planning decisions reflect the needs and aspirations of local communities, as outlined in the Council’s Business Case for Growth.
One of the key benefits of the Article 4 Direction is its ability to secure contributions through the planning process towards vital infrastructure, including affordable housing, as part of any new development proposals. This mechanism is crucial in ensuring that development projects not only meet the housing needs of the community but also contribute to the overall infrastructure and economic vitality of the area.
The Council’s approach is not just about regulating development but also about fostering a balanced and sustainable environment where economic growth and community needs coexist. By requiring formal planning applications for conversions and changes of use, the Council can better manage the types of developments that are proposed, ensuring they align with local priorities and long-term goals.
The introduction of the Article 4 Direction is a testament to the Council’s proactive stance in managing local development. It reflects a commitment to ensuring that any new developments are carefully considered and contribute positively to the local economy and community. This balanced approach is essential in maintaining the character and vibrancy of Hounslow’s town centres and employment hubs, which are integral to the local economy and community life.
The Hounslow Council’s new Article 4 Direction is a strategic move aimed at enhancing local oversight of development. By removing permitted development rights for conversions and changes of use, the Council can better manage and guide future development to meet local needs. This initiative not only protects local jobs and critical workspace but also ensures that new developments contribute to the overall infrastructure and economic vitality of the area. The Council’s commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable homes in a manner that supports economic opportunity and strengthens local neighbourhoods is evident through this decisive action.
