A council is trying to protect key businesses after more than 300 jobs have been lost due to owners turning office spaces into flats and houses.

St Albans District Council is trying to protect key businesses and office spaces across the city to boost the economy and provide jobs after more than 7,000 square metres has been lost due to property owners changing use of the buildings.

Under recent planning law reforms, owners of business premises can often change their use to residential without planning permission from their District Council. This is known as permitted development.

A considerable number of business premises have been turned into homes in recent years while residential property prices have been rising.

Now St Albans District Council wants to be able to issue Article 4 Directions meaning owners in nine designated areas will no longer have these permitted development rights.

Instead, they will have to apply to the council for planning permission for conversions. With the council committed to retaining key business properties, they are likely to be refused.

The Article 4 directions will cover change of use from office, light industrial, storage and distribution to residential.

Councillor Alec Campbell said: “We know that the reduction in office space is making it harder for businesses to stay, start up or relocate here.

"It is hindering the City’s development as a centre for professional services companies.

“The Article 4 Directions will support business, allowing them to thrive and survive, and help the local economy which provides so much for our City.”

St Albans Chamber of Commerce, which represents the local business community, supports the proposal.

They are assisting the Council with liaising with interested parties and research.

David Clarke, president of the St Albans District Chamber of Commerce, said: “We strongly support the Council’s attempts to protect office and business space in key areas of the City.

“Businesses are the bedrock of our local economy, providing jobs, wages and training opportunities.

"They contribute to the District in many other ways such as helping charities and good causes.

“Pressure on space is one of the main issues affecting local businesses and the fear is that some may be forced out of St Albans if nothing is done to stop premises being converted into flats and houses.”

The proposal is going out for consultation for eight weeks from today. Owners of affected properties will be told by letter and local adverts about the planned direction.

They will also be asked for their views along with property occupiers and other local businesses.