What is an Article 4?
An Article 4 Direction is a special planning regulation that gives extra planning control in a chosen area. (For example, a Conservation Area).
A Local Planning Authority (LPA) may have removed your permitted development rights by issuing an 'Article 4' direction.
It can remove permitted development rights for:
- extensions
- porches
- replacement of windows and/or doors
- painting the exterior of a building
- gates, fences and walls
- hardstandings
- alterations such as new or replacement roofs
- temporary building and structures
- houses of multiple occupancy (HMO)
- uses of the land and/or buildings
This means that you have to submit a planning application for any work, even if they wouldn't normally need planning consent. You will need to pay the relevant planning fee.
The paperwork on an Article 4 will show what rights have been removed.
If you want to check if your property could have an Article 4 direction, please use our interactive map:
How to use the map
- Under search, put in the details of the property (name, address or postcode) and click ok
- This initial search may bring up a few addresses. Please choose the correct address and the map will show the area
- Areas with Article 4 directions will have a burgundy hatching over the affected area.
- Click on the box to see more details including a link to the PDF version of the Article 4. There may be some instances where Article 4 areas overlap. On these occasions the box will state (1 of 2).
- To view details of the second Article 4 click on the arrow and it will take you to the next record.
We update the system on a regular basis. But new directions may not be available straight away. So please be aware that a new Article 4 could now be in force, but not visible on our system.
We also inform anyone using the above system, to take a dated screen shot as evidence of their check.
