Local authorities across the country have begun fighting back against the government’s attempt to allow almost every premises in their town centres to be turned into housing without the need for planning consent.

The City of London Corporation and Wandsworth, Kensington & Chelsea and Richmond councils in west London are among the first to make what are known as article 4 directions, but others nationwide are following suit, according to the Local Government Association. Councils were only permitted to make the directions at the start of this month when the new rules came into effect.

The notices will be deferred for a year while councils consult and the housing secretary asks for more evidence and then makes the final decision. He has been known to reject or amend similar requests. Deferral also protects a council from compensation claims.

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