The economic growth of East Hampshire could be impacted, especially if businesses have to move elsewhere.
To help manage this, East Hampshire District Council used its planning powers on 31 January 2018 to make an Article 4(1) direction. This applies to business areas outside the South Downs National Park and removes certain automatic planning rights.
Specifically, it stops land or buildings being changed from offices, light industry, or storage/distribution to homes without planning permission.
This rule took effect on 31 March 2019. From that date, any such change of use in the affected areas needs official planning approval.
Supporting documents, including maps and background papers, are available:
- Proposed article 4 direction (pdf 411 kb)
- Maps of areas affected by proposed article 4 direction (pdf 3 mb)
- Employment background paper (pdf 3.9 mb)
The council consulted the public on this from 2 February to 30 March 2018, and the responses were reviewed on 18 April 2018. No changes were made, and the direction was officially confirmed on 14 June 2018.