Article 4 direction - Revision history

Editor at 16:27, 19 February 2026

2026-02-19T16:27:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:27, 19 February 2026
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	Generally it is up to a local planning authority to decide whether to allow a particular development or not. However, in England and Wales, the [http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/418/contents/made Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995] enables central government to permit certain types of developments known as permitted developments. Permitted developments do not require approval from the local planning authority as permission is granted by the Order. Permitted developments generally relate to minor changes to existing properties.		Generally it is up to a local planning authority to decide whether to allow a particular development or not. However, in England and Wales, the [http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/418/contents/made Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995] enables central government to permit certain types of developments known as permitted developments. Permitted developments do not require approval from the local planning authority as permission is granted by the Order. Permitted developments generally relate to minor changes to existing properties.
		+
		+	The NPPF from December 2025 says "Article 4 direction: A direction made under [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/596/article/4/made Article 4 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015] which withdraws permitted development rights granted by that Order."

	However, local planning authorities are able to remove permitted development rights to protect the character of a particular area by issuing an article 4 direction. Typically article 4 directions are used where the character of an area of acknowledged importance could be threatened by a particular type of development. An article 4 direction can cover one or more properties and one or more types of development.		However, local planning authorities are able to remove permitted development rights to protect the character of a particular area by issuing an article 4 direction. Typically article 4 directions are used where the character of an area of acknowledged importance could be threatened by a particular type of development. An article 4 direction can cover one or more properties and one or more types of development.

Designing Buildings at 11:17, 20 July 2021

2021-07-20T11:17:39Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:17, 20 July 2021
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	NB on 14 Oct 2013 in response to a question by Zac Goldsmith about powers to act against the proliferation of betting shops in a local area, Brandon Lewis, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Communities and Local Government, stated 'Local planning authorities can issue an ‘Article 4' direction, in consultation with the local community, which removes permitted development rights and ensures that where there is a change of use a planning application is required.' ([http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm131014/text/131014w0001.htm ref])		NB on 14 Oct 2013 in response to a question by Zac Goldsmith about powers to act against the proliferation of betting shops in a local area, Brandon Lewis, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Communities and Local Government, stated 'Local planning authorities can issue an ‘Article 4' direction, in consultation with the local community, which removes permitted development rights and ensures that where there is a change of use a planning application is required.' ([http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm131014/text/131014w0001.htm ref])

−	~~= Find out more =~~	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =
−		+
−	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===	+

	* Avoiding planning permission pitfalls.		* Avoiding planning permission pitfalls.
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	* Use class.		* Use class.

−	=== External references ===	+	= External references =

	* Written statement to Parliament, [https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/change-of-use-new-homes Change of use: new homes], Planning Minister Nick, Boles 6 February 2014.		* Written statement to Parliament, [https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/change-of-use-new-homes Change of use: new homes], Planning Minister Nick, Boles 6 February 2014.

Designing Buildings at 06:32, 9 October 2020

2020-10-09T06:32:28Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:32, 9 October 2020
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	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===		=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===

−	~~<ul>~~	+	* Avoiding planning permission pitfalls.
−	~~<li>~~	+	* Building preservation notice.
−		+	* Certificate of immunity.
−		+	* Change of use class.
−		+	* Conservation area.
−		+	* Listed building.
−	Avoiding planning permission pitfalls.~~</li>~~	+	* Permitted development.
−	~~<li>~~Building preservation notice.~~</li>~~	+	* Planning permission.
−	~~<li>~~Certificate of immunity.~~</li>~~	+	* Prior approval.
−	~~<li>~~Change of use class.~~</li>~~	+	* Sui generis.
−	~~<li>~~Conservation area.~~</li>~~	+	* Tree preservation order.
−	~~<li>~~Listed building.~~</li>~~	+	* Use class.
−	~~<li>~~Permitted development.~~</li>~~	+
−	~~<li>~~Planning permission.~~</li>~~	+
−	~~<li>~~Prior approval.~~</li>~~	+
−	~~<li>~~Sui generis.~~</li>~~	+
−	~~<li>~~Tree preservation order.~~</li>~~	+
−	~~<li>~~Use class.~~</li></ul>~~	+

	=== External references ===		=== External references ===
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	* [http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/418/contents/made Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995].		* [http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/418/contents/made Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995].

−	[[Category:Planning_permission]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Legislation]] [[Category:DCN_News]] [[Category:DCN_Policy]] [[Category:DCN_Regulation]] [[Category:Planning_permission]]

Editor at 17:38, 5 December 2016

2016-12-05T17:38:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:38, 5 December 2016
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−
	Generally it is up to a local planning authority to decide whether to allow a particular development or not. However, in England and Wales, the [http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/418/contents/made Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995] enables central government to permit certain types of developments known as permitted developments. Permitted developments do not require approval from the local planning authority as permission is granted by the Order. Permitted developments generally relate to minor changes to existing properties.		Generally it is up to a local planning authority to decide whether to allow a particular development or not. However, in England and Wales, the [http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/418/contents/made Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995] enables central government to permit certain types of developments known as permitted developments. Permitted developments do not require approval from the local planning authority as permission is granted by the Order. Permitted developments generally relate to minor changes to existing properties.

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	Article 4 directions are most frequently applied to withdraw permitted development rights in conservation areas. Here, they are commonly used to withdraw permitted development rights for developments that front a 'relevant location', and might restrict developments such as; enlargement, improvement or alteration of a dwelling, altering a gate, painting a façade or installing satellite dishes. A 'relevant location' refers to a highway, waterway or open space. These directions, and directions used to withdraw permitted development rights affecting listed buildings, (such as development in the curtilage of a listed building - the development of listing buidings themselves is controlled by the The [http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1990/9/contents Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990]) do not require approval by the secretary of state.		Article 4 directions are most frequently applied to withdraw permitted development rights in conservation areas. Here, they are commonly used to withdraw permitted development rights for developments that front a 'relevant location', and might restrict developments such as; enlargement, improvement or alteration of a dwelling, altering a gate, painting a façade or installing satellite dishes. A 'relevant location' refers to a highway, waterway or open space. These directions, and directions used to withdraw permitted development rights affecting listed buildings, (such as development in the curtilage of a listed building - the development of listing buidings themselves is controlled by the The [http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1990/9/contents Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990]) do not require approval by the secretary of state.

−	Directions that relate to developments in conservation areas that do not front a relevant location require approval by the secretary of state, as do directions withdrawing permitted development rights affecting buildings that are not in a conservation area and do not affect listed buildings (typically these directions are used to restrict temporary developments on a site). The Secretary of State has the power to modify or cancel the order within 28 days.~~<br/>~~	+	Directions that relate to developments in conservation areas that do not front a relevant location require approval by the secretary of state, as do directions withdrawing permitted development rights affecting buildings that are not in a conservation area and do not affect listed buildings (typically these directions are used to restrict temporary developments on a site). The Secretary of State has the power to modify or cancel the order within 28 days.

	An article 4 direction does not mean that a particular type of development cannot be carried out, only that it is not permitted without planning permission.		An article 4 direction does not mean that a particular type of development cannot be carried out, only that it is not permitted without planning permission.
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	In May 2013, the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (England) Order 2013 came into force, making changes to permitted development rights. These amendments include making it easier to change between certain use classes, and permitting larger extensions to domestic and commercial premises. As a result, local authorities have introduced article 4 directions, in particular to prevent change of use class from office to residential use. It has yet to be seen whether the Secretary of State will allow these directions to stand.		In May 2013, the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (England) Order 2013 came into force, making changes to permitted development rights. These amendments include making it easier to change between certain use classes, and permitting larger extensions to domestic and commercial premises. As a result, local authorities have introduced article 4 directions, in particular to prevent change of use class from office to residential use. It has yet to be seen whether the Secretary of State will allow these directions to stand.

−	NB on 14 Oct 2013 in response to a question by Zac Goldsmith about powers to act against the proliferation of betting shops in a local area, Brandon Lewis, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Communities and Local Government, stated 'Local planning authorities can issue an ‘Article 4' direction, in consultation with the local community, which removes permitted development rights and ensures that where there is a change of use a planning application is required.' ([http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm131014/text/131014w0001.htm ref])~~<br/>~~	+	NB on 14 Oct 2013 in response to a question by Zac Goldsmith about powers to act against the proliferation of betting shops in a local area, Brandon Lewis, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Communities and Local Government, stated 'Local planning authorities can issue an ‘Article 4' direction, in consultation with the local community, which removes permitted development rights and ensures that where there is a change of use a planning application is required.' ([http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm131014/text/131014w0001.htm ref])

	= Find out more =		= Find out more =

	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===		=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===
−	*Building preservation notice.	+
−	*Certificate of immunity.	+	<ul>
−	*Change of use class.	+	<li>
−	*Conservation area.	+
−	*Listed building.	+
−	*Permitted development.	+
−	*Planning permission.	+
−	*Prior approval.	+	Avoiding planning permission pitfalls.</li>
−	*Sui generis.	+	<li>Building preservation notice.</li>
−	*Tree preservation order.	+	<li>Certificate of immunity.</li>
−	*Use class.	+	<li>Change of use class.</li>
		+	<li>Conservation area.</li>
		+	<li>Listed building.</li>
		+	<li>Permitted development.</li>
		+	<li>Planning permission.</li>
		+	<li>Prior approval.</li>
		+	<li>Sui generis.</li>
		+	<li>Tree preservation order.</li>
		+	<li>Use class.</li></ul>

	=== External references ===		=== External references ===
−	*Written statement to Parliament, [https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/change-of-use-new-homes Change of use: new homes], Planning Minister Nick, Boles 6 February 2014.	+
−	*[http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/2116950.pdf National Planning Policy Framework].	+	* Written statement to Parliament, [https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/change-of-use-new-homes Change of use: new homes], Planning Minister Nick, Boles 6 February 2014.
−	*[http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/418/contents/made Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995].	+	* [http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/2116950.pdf National Planning Policy Framework].
		+	* [http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/418/contents/made Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995].

	[[Category:Planning_permission]]		[[Category:Planning_permission]]

Designing Buildings at 10:34, 29 June 2014

2014-06-29T10:34:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:34, 29 June 2014
Line 28:		Line 28:
	*Permitted development.		*Permitted development.
	*Planning permission.		*Planning permission.
		+	*Prior approval.
	*Sui generis.		*Sui generis.
	*Tree preservation order.		*Tree preservation order.

Designing Buildings at 10:32, 29 June 2014

2014-06-29T10:32:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:32, 29 June 2014
Line 23:		Line 23:
	*Building preservation notice.		*Building preservation notice.
	*Certificate of immunity.		*Certificate of immunity.
		+	*Change of use class.
	*Conservation area.		*Conservation area.
	*Listed building.		*Listed building.

Designing Buildings at 08:17, 22 March 2014

2014-03-22T08:17:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:17, 22 March 2014
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	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===		=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===
−	*Building ~~Preservation Notice~~.	+	*Building preservation notice.
	*Certificate of immunity.		*Certificate of immunity.
	*Conservation area.		*Conservation area.
−	*Designated areas.
	*Listed building.		*Listed building.
	*Permitted development.		*Permitted development.
	*Planning permission.		*Planning permission.
−	*~~Sites of Special Scientific Interest~~.	+	*Sui generis.
−	*Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (England) Order 2013<br/>	+
	*Tree preservation order.		*Tree preservation order.
	*Use class.		*Use class.

Designing Buildings at 09:05, 11 February 2014

2014-02-11T09:05:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:05, 11 February 2014
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	=== External references ===		=== External references ===
		+	*Written statement to Parliament, [https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/change-of-use-new-homes Change of use: new homes], Planning Minister Nick, Boles 6 February 2014.
	*[http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/2116950.pdf National Planning Policy Framework].		*[http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/2116950.pdf National Planning Policy Framework].
	*[http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/418/contents/made Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995].		*[http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1995/418/contents/made Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995].

	[[Category:Planning_permission]]		[[Category:Planning_permission]]

Designing Buildings at 07:24, 24 October 2013

2013-10-24T07:24:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:24, 24 October 2013
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	To find out whether a property is affected by an article 4 direction, you can ask the local planning authority.		To find out whether a property is affected by an article 4 direction, you can ask the local planning authority.
−
−	~~----~~

	In May 2013, the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (England) Order 2013 came into force, making changes to permitted development rights. These amendments include making it easier to change between certain use classes, and permitting larger extensions to domestic and commercial premises. As a result, local authorities have introduced article 4 directions, in particular to prevent change of use class from office to residential use. It has yet to be seen whether the Secretary of State will allow these directions to stand.		In May 2013, the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (England) Order 2013 came into force, making changes to permitted development rights. These amendments include making it easier to change between certain use classes, and permitting larger extensions to domestic and commercial premises. As a result, local authorities have introduced article 4 directions, in particular to prevent change of use class from office to residential use. It has yet to be seen whether the Secretary of State will allow these directions to stand.
		+
		+	NB on 14 Oct 2013 in response to a question by Zac Goldsmith about powers to act against the proliferation of betting shops in a local area, Brandon Lewis, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Communities and Local Government, stated 'Local planning authorities can issue an ‘Article 4' direction, in consultation with the local community, which removes permitted development rights and ensures that where there is a change of use a planning application is required.' ([http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm131014/text/131014w0001.htm ref])<br/>

	= Find out more =		= Find out more =
Line 29:		Line 29:
	*Planning permission.		*Planning permission.
	*Sites of Special Scientific Interest.		*Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
−	*Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (England) Order 2013 <br/>	+	*Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (England) Order 2013<br/>
	*Tree preservation order.		*Tree preservation order.
	*Use class.		*Use class.

Designing Buildings at 05:13, 19 July 2013

2013-07-19T05:13:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:13, 19 July 2013
Line 6:		Line 6:
	Article 4 directions are most frequently applied to withdraw permitted development rights in conservation areas. Here, they are commonly used to withdraw permitted development rights for developments that front a 'relevant location', and might restrict developments such as; enlargement, improvement or alteration of a dwelling, altering a gate, painting a façade or installing satellite dishes. A 'relevant location' refers to a highway, waterway or open space. These directions, and directions used to withdraw permitted development rights affecting listed buildings, (such as development in the curtilage of a listed building - the development of listing buidings themselves is controlled by the The [http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1990/9/contents Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990]) do not require approval by the secretary of state.		Article 4 directions are most frequently applied to withdraw permitted development rights in conservation areas. Here, they are commonly used to withdraw permitted development rights for developments that front a 'relevant location', and might restrict developments such as; enlargement, improvement or alteration of a dwelling, altering a gate, painting a façade or installing satellite dishes. A 'relevant location' refers to a highway, waterway or open space. These directions, and directions used to withdraw permitted development rights affecting listed buildings, (such as development in the curtilage of a listed building - the development of listing buidings themselves is controlled by the The [http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1990/9/contents Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990]) do not require approval by the secretary of state.

−	Directions that relate to developments in conservation areas that do not front a relevant location require approval by the secretary of state, as do directions withdrawing permitted development rights affecting buildings that are not in a conservation area and do not affect listed buildings (typically these directions are used to restrict temporary developments on a site). The Secretary of State has the power to modify or cancel the order within 28 days. <br/>	+	Directions that relate to developments in conservation areas that do not front a relevant location require approval by the secretary of state, as do directions withdrawing permitted development rights affecting buildings that are not in a conservation area and do not affect listed buildings (typically these directions are used to restrict temporary developments on a site). The Secretary of State has the power to modify or cancel the order within 28 days.<br/>

	An article 4 direction does not mean that a particular type of development cannot be carried out, only that it is not permitted without planning permission.		An article 4 direction does not mean that a particular type of development cannot be carried out, only that it is not permitted without planning permission.
Line 29:		Line 29:
	*Planning permission.		*Planning permission.
	*Sites of Special Scientific Interest.		*Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
		+	*Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (England) Order 2013 <br/>
	*Tree preservation order.		*Tree preservation order.
		+	*Use class.

	=== External references ===		=== External references ===