New planning powers will safeguard high streets and housing standards
New planning protections will help preserve Islington’s high streets, support local businesses, and prevent poor-quality, unaffordable housing developments that bypass the full planning process.
The council is bringing in new planning rules - called Article 4 Directions (A4D) - to protect local high streets and workspaces. Approved at a meeting of the council’s Executive on 17 July 2025, these rules will stop shops, offices and other commercial buildings from being turned into homes without proper planning permission, so the council can make sure any new housing is good quality, genuinely affordable and meets local needs.
Cllr Santiago Bell-Bradford, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Inclusive Economy, Culture & Jobs said: “Everyone in Islington deserves a decent, secure and affordable home. At the same time, we’re determined to protect our shops, small businesses and high streets, which are so important to local people and the local economy.
“These new planning protections will help us stop poor-quality conversions in targeted areas and ensure that any new homes, meet our affordable housing requirements and are built to the high standards our residents deserve. Without these safeguards, developers can bypass the planning system, leading to the loss of vital commercial and community spaces and the delivery of homes that fall well short of local needs.”
The A4D ensures that any proposed change of use from commercial to residential in key retail and employment areas of the borough must undergo the full planning process. This approach means the council can enforce its policies on affordable housing, energy efficiency, and high-quality design—ensuring that all developments contribute positively to the community.
The A4D will come into effect on Monday 01 September 2025 and will apply to carefully selected areas across the borough, including town centres such as Archway, Finsbury Park, Nag’s Head and Angel, plus local shopping areas, significant industrial areas and priority employment areas. These areas were identified through detailed site surveys and analysis to ensure a targeted and proportionate approach.
Notes to editors
About Article 4 Directions
An Article 4 Direction is a planning tool used by local authorities to remove certain permitted development rights. In this case, it means that developers must apply for full planning permission before converting commercial properties (such as shops or offices) into residential units in designated areas. This allows the council to assess proposals against local planning policies.
National and local context
Under national permitted development rights (known as Class MA rights), commercial buildings can often be converted into homes without full planning permission. Councils can use Article 4 Directions to restrict these rights in areas where they risk undermining local planning objectives.
This is the second time that the council has issued Article 4 Directions to remove permitted development rights for Class MA development. In August 2023 the Council adopted Article 4 Directions to protect the Central Activities Zone and adjoining areas, the Vale Royal-Brewery Road industrial area as well as specialist retail areas at Camden Passage and the Font Hill Road. The current directions will act together to protect the borough’s main shopping and employment areas.
Contact information
If you are a member of the public with a general question about the council please view the contact information on our website or call 020 7527 2000.