Photo by Paul Bryan

At their Cabinet meeting next week, Sefton councillors will be asked to approve a new planning rule for key shopping parades in Bootle.

New action to protect shopping areas

Sefton Council is planning new action to help protect shopping areas in Bootle, so they are not lost through owners converting shop units to residential flats for rent.

In recent years, national rules have made it easier to change shops into houses or flats. Property owners do not require full planning permission to do this.

Owners will need planning permission

Sefton Council is concerned that this will mean the loss of shopping premises and services that are important to local residents.  By introducing an Article 4 Direction it will mean property owners will need planning permission to turn shops into homes.

The plan will mainly focus on shopping parades in Bootle where there are already high vacancy rates and social challenges.

Important for communities and jobs

Sefton Council Cabinet Member Cllr Phil Hart, whose responsibilities include Planning, Private Sector Licensing and Housing standards, said: “We want to introduce this Article 4 Direction to protect shops and services, which are important for local communities and the jobs that go with them.”

“This will help keep shopping streets busy and safe and support stronger, healthier communities. And it supports the wider Bootle regeneration programme.”

Public consultation

If the Council’s Cabinet agrees the proposals, there will be a public consultation so that residents, businesses and landlords can give their feedback. The Council will take these views into account when taking a final decision. The change will not happen straight away. There will be at least 12 months’ notice.

In February Sefton Council introduced a similar Article 4 Direction covering the whole Borough to control the conversion of properties to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

People can find out more about Sefton Council's Selective and Additional (HMO) Licensing schemes at www.sefton.gov.uk/Licensing-Schemes.

You can find the agenda and papers for next week’s Cabinet meeting here.