OFFICE space in Bracknell is being protected from conversion into new homes.

Bracknell Forest Council has enforced a new directive that means conversions of offices to homes will require planning permission from early 2018.

Such conversions can currently take place without planning permission but the council's executive has approved the Article 4 Direction area for the key business areas in the Borough, covering the Eastern Southern and Western employment areas in Bracknell.

Cllr Chris Turrell, executive member for planning and transport, said: "This is an important move by the Council to protect the office and business space which will be needed to support the ongoing growth of the borough.

"We have started to see some proposed conversions come forward in these important areas and in areas which will not make good locations to live.

"This Article 4 Direction enables the council to consider these and other matters through the planning application process which gives the ability to support positive applications but also reject ones which don’t meet the councils planning policies.”

Bracknell Forest Council says the move has been taken to protect the important office and business stock in the local area so that the borough 'can continue to develop and prosper.'

Since 2013 the borough has seen a rise in requests for these changes of use totalling a potential 850 new homes.

The direction means that from spring next year these conversions can only take place where planning permission is applied for and granted. This extra control means the council will consider all of the implications of a scheme before it is given the green light.

The Direction comes into force on the 27 February 2018.