The Milton Society raises concerns over prior approval changes and seeks input

The Milton Society has raised the alarm about recent Prior Approval Change of Use regulations, which allow Class E commercial units to be converted into Class C3 residential properties, and how they are impacting Westcliff’s high street. Local shopkeepers fear that the unchecked conversion of retail units into residential spaces could permanently damage the character and viability of the area, particularly in locations already under trading stress.
With the high street divided between a conservation area and an undesignated zone, the differing levels of protection are creating a patchwork approach to safeguarding retail spaces. There is a real concern that, under these new regulations, struggling shops will be replaced with low-quality residential units, making it harder for businesses to re-establish and further eroding the high street’s role as a vibrant commercial centre.
The Milton Society is asking other civic societies to share examples of how these changes are impacting their town centres, with the aim of gathering evidence for Civic Voice to potentially look at this as a national issue. The Society hopes to work collaboratively to ensure local voices are heard and that policy changes are made to protect high streets across the country. Civic Voice’s long standing view has been that weakening planning reforms will impact the viability of high streets which will lead to negative impacts if not balanced with local authority and community input. If your area is experiencing similar challenges, please get in touch with us so we can start gathering examples to help understand what is happening in places which we can share with the Government.
For more information or to share your experience, please contact Ian Harvey who is talking to MHCLG about further high streets support .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).