Householders in England and Wales are allowed to make minor changes to their properties without planning permission from the local planning authority - known as 'permitted development rights'. Sometimes these rights need to be removed to protect the character of an area, for example to prevent a large number of houses in multiple occupation or the loss of original features in a conservation area. The application of an Article 4 Direction removes these 'permitted development' rights and is a way in which Councils can control building works and changes of use which would ordinarily be 'permitted development'.

Article 4(1) Directions

There are two ways that Article 4(1) Directions are imposed on buildings or land within an area:

Immediate Article 4(1) Direction - This means that permitted development rights are removed with immediate effect and then consulted on. The Article 4(1) Direction will lapse after 6 months from when it was made unless it is confirmed beforehand. Any objections would be reported to the Council's Cabinet for consideration. An immediate Article 4(1) Direction is used where there is an urgent, justified requirement for protection.

Non-immediate Article 4(1) Direction - This means that the Article 4(1) Direction is only imposed following consultation period of, usually, 28 days and with at least 12 months notice of it coming into force. Any objections will be reported to the Council's Cabinet for consideration. A non-immediate Article 4(1) Direction is used where there is not an urgent requirement to remove permitted development rights.