Hammersmith & Fulham Council wants to know what local residents and businesses think about two frequent planning issues.
National permitted development rights allow developers and homeowners to convert the basements of residential properties without seeking planning permission.
Some say developers digging-up and extending of basements can cause noise nuisance, and disruption to a local area, as well as dramatically increasing population density. Others believe this gives extra freedom to developers, and can give homeowners more scope for expansion without council involvement.
A similar law also allows developers to convert office space and light industrial premises into residential accommodation without asking the planners.
Again, there are those who see scarce office space as being vital to the creation of local jobs: with too many properties being transformed into luxury residences, and existing examples in need of protection. While others believe that less council involvement can be beneficial to the area, by allowing more freedom of development.
The council could choose to do something about these issues. Following the introduction of the Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 we can use what is known as Article 4 Directions to require all developers and individuals to apply for permission before pressing ahead with such plans.
Would you like the council to be more strict with developers? Or should we allow these types of projects to continue without getting involved?
We’ve launched a consultation to hear what you think - whether you are in favour, opposed, or have something else of value to bring to the discussion. Just let us know your thoughts by 5pm on 6 June.
This consultation is now closed.
The Secretary of State will take a decision - informed by the responses to the consultation - which will become legally binding across the whole borough on 26 April 2018.
If these things matter to you, don't miss your chance to help inform planning policy in Hammersmith & Fulham.
