PLANS have been given the go-ahead by Winchester civic chiefs to make it harder for developers to convert offices into homes.

Many business owners in the city grew worried that the it was being harmed by work-space being turned into upmarket flats.

Now city councillors have recommended approval for an ‘article 4’ directive that removes permitted development rights and means that such schemes have to get planning permission.

The rights scheme was introduced by the government in 2013 and allows applications to turn business properties into residential to be approved without going through the normal planning procedures.

The change has been backed by Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, Winchester BID (Business Improvement District) and local MP Steve Brine.

One of the conditions is to hold off implementing it for 12 months. This is because if the act was imposed immediately, the council fears it may be sued by applicants currently in the process of using permitted development rights.