ARTICLE 4 DIRECTIONS

WHAT ARE ARTICLE 4 DIRECTIONS?

In England, certain development works (which are usually small-scale and therefore low-impact in nature), e.g. some householder extensions, gates, walls, changes of use etc are classed as ‘Permitted Development’.  This means that subject to rules on size, type and location, a planning application is not needed for the development concerned. 

Article 4 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 (as amended) allows local planning authorities and the Secretary of State to issue directions withdrawing permitted development rights for certain works in a specified area.    

Article 4 Directions remove permitted development rights from property owners meaning that a planning application is needed for certain works where it would otherwise not be necessary to apply

A local authority may make directions to remove such rights if it feels that such development would be harmful to the character of an area. 

ARTICLE 4 DIRECTION – IMPLICATIONS

Where an Article 4 direction is in effect, a planning application is required for development that would otherwise have been permitted development.

No application fee applies in cases where permitted development rights have been removed by an Article 4 Direction.