The Government should reconsider “damaging policy” which enables developers to turn offices into homes without planning control, says council leader Lord True.

New measures were introduced three years ago to make it easier to turn office and light industrial buildings into new homes.

Since the change, the borough has received the highest number of prior notifications than any London borough with hundreds of applications being received.

Council leader Lord True made his concerns clear at the House of Lords as part of the Housing and Planning Bill debate.

Speaking after the debate, he said: “As we speak, dozens of small businesses in our borough are being tossed out by developers, as a result of this damaging policy.

“I know of at least three businesses in East Sheen and Mortlake that are being thrown out of their current premises so they can be turned into housing under permitted development.

“Where will these small, independent businesses go? And, what standard of housing will be slotted into their place.

“As a Council, we will continue to campaign against this policy by introducing further Article 4 directions. But that takes time.

“How many businesses and charities will we lose in the process? The Government needs a rethink on this.

“Therefore I am going to bring in an Amendment to the Housing and Planning Bill to try to let local people and local councils decide, not let the Government give the green light to developers cashing in without planning permission.”