The number of shared houses in Potters Bar has increased rapidly in recent years, with the area having to accommodate far more of them than other nearby districts. Campaigners are concerned that many of these households are being brought in from other areas to live in a vulnerable environment. The issue is particularly acute in the area due to lack of support for the vulnerable occupants. The council has now announced its intention to introduce an Article 4 direction, which could result in developers claiming damages for not being able to proceed with their plans.