About Article 4 Directions
An Article 4 Direction is a planning tool used by the Council to help manage development in specific areas.
Normally, some types of building work or changes of use can take place without the need for planning permission. These are known as permitted development rights and are set out under National Planning legislation. An Article 4 Direction removes some of these rights in a defined area, meaning that planning permission is required before certain changes can be made.
Article 4 Directions and Lichfield District
There are many fine historic buildings within the 21 conservation areas in Lichfield District that are not protected as listed buildings. Nevertheless, these buildings are important to local people because they form part of the familiar and cherished local scene.
We believe that these buildings deserve greater protection from insensitive small scale alterations, such as the introduction of new windows or removal of front boundary walls which over time erode the special character of these areas.
There are 3 Article 4 directions which affect certain properties within the Lichfield City Conservation Area, the Whittington and Wigginton Conservation Areas.
Does an Article 4 Direction affect me?
In addition to the normal requirements for planning permission, the following alterations or demolition would require planning permission as a result of the Article 4 Direction:
- the installation or alteration of windows and doors
- the erection of an extension of any size to the side or front of a house
- alteration to the roof, including changing materials, the insertion of dormer windows or roof lights
- the addition of a porch to an entrance facing a road or open space
- The provision of a hard surface within the grounds of a house for the parking of vehicles
- the alteration, removal or erection of any gate, fence, wall or other means of enclosure within the grounds of a house
- the painting of the exterior of any part of a house or of a building within the grounds of a house not previously painted
- the installation or replacement of a satellite antennae
- rendering walls not previously rendered
- the alteration or removal of a chimney to the house or any other building within the grounds of the house
- the painting of any exterior of any building or work within the Lichfield City Centre Conservation Area
If you have a query, please email us.