Changes to the UCO were introduced on 1 September 2020 and alongside the introduction of a new ‘Class E’. For information about uses that now fall within Class E, see The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2020.
On 30 March 2021 the government amended the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) to introduce a new ‘Class MA’ permitted development right allowing changes of use from a use falling within commercial, business and service (Class E) to residential. This means that provided the requirements and conditions of Class MA are satisfied, it is possible to make a change of use from a Class E use to a Class C3 use without the need to apply to the local planning authority for planning permission. This permitted development right became available from 1 August 2021.
On 29 July 2021, the council made three non-immediate Article 4 Directions withdrawing permitted development rights for ‘Class MA’ permitted development within the following locations:
- Direction 1 - The London Plan Central Activities Zone as it relates to Lambeth
- Direction 2 - Land in Key Industrial and Business Areas not falling within the Brixton Creative Enterprise Zone or the Central Activities Zone, and the West Norwood Creative Business Cluster
- Direction 3 – Selected town centre locations: the Brixton Creative Enterprise Zone, which includes Brixton town centre; Streatham town centre; Clapham High Street primary shopping area and nine office locations in and around Clapham High Street town centre; and the West Norwood/Tulse Hill primary shopping area
The Council consulted on these proposed Article 4 Directions from 2 August to 27 September 2021.
On 28 July 2022, the council confirmed the three non-immediate Article 4 Directions, which came into force on 1 August 2022. The three Directions have now been modified by directions made by the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.