What Is An Article 4 Direction?

An ‘Article 4 Direction’ is a planning rule which may be used by a planning authority (Council) to remove some ‘permitted development rights’ in a certain area. Permitted development rights normally let homeowners and landowners carry out some building works, such as the erection of a garden room, without applying for planning permission.

Councils often use Article 4 Directions where they want more control over development. This can happen in Conservation Areas, town centres, or places where too many changes could harm the look of the area. Once an Article 4 Direction is in place, work that could previously be done without express consent may need a planning application first. The chances of an Article 4 Direction impacting your property and proposals are low, however, if a building is erected assuming permitted development rights exist, an Article 4 Direction could have impacted that right.

An Article 4 Direction does not mean development is banned. It simply means planning permission must be applied for before the work starts. The council can then look at each proposal properly and decide whether it is suitable for that location. In simple terms, Article 4 only changes the process by requiring permission, rather than stopping development altogether.

Hawksbeck, with our planning team, can usually establish whether an Article 4 Direction impedes your proposed development, however, seeking a Lawful Development Certificate from the Council in the best tool to secure a guarantee. Hawksbeck can prepare the paperwork and plans, submit and manage the process of seeking this Certificate on your behalf, providing you with complete peace-of-mind.