Residents of Hampstead Could Require Permission to Paint Doors

Last week, Ham&High reported on new planning laws that have been put into place in Hampstead as well as in Swiss Cottage and Belsize Park.

    The new laws haven't pleased everyone and have split residents down the middle. The reason being, the new laws mean that even minor changes made to residents' homes will require planning permission. Changes from conversions to painting external doors will require permission. It's easy to understand why people oppose what is known as 'article four'. It has been criticised for being a little heavy handed and naturally people may feel controlled. Surely people should be allowed to do as they wish with their own property? As long as a change is merely aesthetic and doesn't physically affect a neighbour or their property, then any changes should be within the owner's control!

    Many residents however approve of the ruling, including David Evans from the Heath and Hampstead society. Their consensus is that areas like Hampstead are a visually pleasing environment and should be kept as such.

    As understandable as this argument is, should residents really have to request permission to paint a door or make a minor change to their property? Are measures such as these going too far to control us?

Picture courtesy of Cristiano Betta