New powers have been introduced to make it harder for Watford office buildings to be turned into flats.

It means that planning permission will need to be granted for changes from employment to residential use in key locations in the borough.

Until recently, this could happen through permitted development rights.

Watford Borough Council made the announcement today (June 22) after the new power called Article 4 Directions came into force on Wednesday, June 14.

As of June 14, the council has issued Article 4 Directions in 12 locations, but they have been grouped into 6 areas that are:

  • Clarendon Road Primary Office Location

  • Greycaine Road, Odhams and Sandown Road
  • Imperial Way, Colonial Way and Holly Industrial Estate
  • Shakespeare Road
  • Watford Business Park
  • Wiggenhall Road, Fishers Industrial Estate and Trade City

Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “Watford is home to thousands of businesses, small to large, which is a good thing for our town.

Watford Observer: Peter TaylorPeter Taylor (Image: Watford Borough Council)

“I want to make sure that we have the space to support new and existing businesses in the future.

"It is really frustrating that after working hard to agree and adopt our Local Plan, which would support these new businesses, permitted development rights could prevent us from doing this.”

The newly adopted local plan contains policies to support our high streets and allow the local economy to grow by protecting land for uses such as retail, leisure and employment.

It also sets out how and where the council expects land for new residential properties to come from.

Mr Taylor said: “We have seen elsewhere businesses losing space because of permitted development and that is why it is right for us to take these steps to protect our valuable employment space.”

According to the council, further loss of employment land to residential use would mean the town could soon run out of enough employment land for prospective companies, investors and start-up businesses.

Within six months of June 14, the council will confirm if the Direction will be in place for the long-term.

You can have your say on the Article 4 Direction until July 12 by emailing strategy@watford.gov.uk or writing to Planning Policy, Watford Borough Council, Town Hall, Watford, Hertfordshire WD17 3EX.