In August 2021 the Conservative government changed the ‘Permitted Development Rights’ rules to allow shops to be converted into homes without the need for planning permission.
Since that date, Woodcote Estates Limited, a landlord, appear to have systematically pushed out tenants in Nutfield Road in order to secure change of use.
Cllr Shasha Khan, Green Party councillor for Hooley, Merstham and Netherne said, “Once elected, I found out that nearly 50 councils had been using a little known planning rule called an ’Article 4 Direction’ to force developers to submit a planning application.
I’m delighted that Reigate and Banstead Council have finally passed the motion to implement Article 4 Direction.
It ensures the parade of shops in South Merstham, on the east side of Nutfield Road with Serendipity and Corners is saved.
Sadly this change has come too late for the parade on the west side with Sparkle Laundrette.
Questions need to be answered as to why the Council did not introduce the Article 4 Direction earlier to protect all shops in the borough.”
