Landlords who want to convert homes into multiple flats in some conservation areas in Lewisham will need to get planning permission after a “resident-led” campaign.  

Mayor and Cabinet voted to introduce an Article 4 direction to the Perry Vale and Christmas Estate, and Lewisham Park conservation areas in a bid to prevent development that threatens local heritage. 

Under the direction, converting homes to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) will no longer be permitted without permission from April 2020 for Perry Vale and August 2020 for Lewisham Park.

“This is to prevent further loss of important historic features, or bring into planning control alterations that would erode the special interest of the areas,” according to the report presented at the meeting.  

Mayor Damien Egan said officers had received positive feedback and “wide support” from residents during the consultation. 

“This report formally seeks confirmation of the Article 4 direction for Perry Vale and Christmas Estate, and Lewisham Park conservation areas.  

“What it does is removes permitted development rights for homes to be converted into multiple flats in conservation areas so we can better preserve the property’s heritage,” he said.  

Mayor Egan added that the drive to preserve the areas was “resident-led” and it emerged that no one had objected to the proposals.  

Deptford High Street and St Paul’s Church, which was yesterday merged into one conservation area, also had an Article 4 direction approved in relation to specific family homes in Watson’s Street and Tanners Hill. 

A conservation area appraisal was also voted through for the newly merged protected space, which can be a supplementary planning document that informs decisions.

The former Noah’s Ark pub in Deptford, which was demolished without planning permission last month, was mentioned at the meeting.  

Contracted construction company Build with Confidence (BWC) put scaffolding around the building in the protected Deptford High Street conservation area, before “substantially” demolishing it.

Developer Visionbell had only been given permission for a new mansard roof and to convert the building into flats.

Mayor Egan said: “I know all of you are aware that a developer demolished the former Noah’s Ark pub in Deptford High Street and while I can’t comment as our planning enforcement team are currently investigating it, it does illustrate why these measures are important … and why we have the policies in place to protect the heritage that Lewisham is proud of.”