New rules to save businesses in Brighton and Hove
owners of shops, restaurants and cafes will need planning permission to switch them to residential use.
New rules are being brought in to prevent Brighton and Hove's high streets from disappearing.
The city council’s policy means the owners of businesses such as shops, restaurants and cafes would need to get planning permission to switch them to residential use.
It will apply to more than 30 locations across the city, including in the Lanes, Western Road and Hove town centre.
Councillor Martin Osborne, Co-chair of Tourism, Equalities, Communities and Culture Committee, said: “City Plan Part Two supports the council’s priority for a ‘City Working for all’ by establishing planning and development policies that will support our economy and high streets.
“Local commercial centres and local shopping parades are important for the sustainability of our neighbourhoods. They provide easily accessible shops and services which can reduce the need for residents to make longer journeys into larger centres.
“Reducing the need to travel is particularly important for more vulnerable residents and those without access to a car.
“Protecting local shopping parades helps prevent increases in traffic movements and congestion and negative effects on air quality. The Article 4 Direction will contribute towards our zero-carbon goal and support the council’s ’20-minute neighbourhood’ initiative.”
Officials said the policy does not mean all planning applications for a change of use will be refused but it will help the council determine them based on their merits.