Businesses in Shoreham area damaged by permitted development policy

The viability of businesses in the Shoreham area are being damaged by the conversion of business space into residential units, one business leader has warned.
Ron Crank chief executive of Coast to Capital Local Enterprise PartnershipRon Crank chief executive of Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership
Ron Crank chief executive of Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership

Ron Crank, chief executive of the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership, has written an open letter to Anna Soubry, minister for small businesses, highlighting the effects of Permitted Developments Rights (PDRs) and calling for reform.

The Government policy enables a change of use of certain buildings without usual planning permission, such as turning business premises into residential housing.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The two areas he specifically highlighted were Crawley and the Shoreham area.

Mr Crank said: “This is a major issue across the Coast to Capital region and, I would imagine across the South East. The Government needs to reconsider this policy particularly in the south of the UK.”

He explained that the Shoreham Port Authority has been signalled out as an area where PDRs are affecting its sustainability to continue as a successful port operation, with around 20 small and medium enteprises (SMEs) in Maritime House Business Centre on the outskirts of the port facing the possibility of eviction from their premises to make way for the building to be redeveloped for local housing.

His letter concludes: “Most of the businesses affected are SMEs and struggle to relocate when displaced. Building homes in a business district is also unsuitable for many reasons, not least because some businesses will be unable to operate and grow in proximity to residential housing.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.shorehamherald.co.uk/

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ShorehamHerald

3) Follow us on Twitter @Shoreham_Herald

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Shoreham Herald - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Related topics: