Article 4 Directions

It can apply to a single house or a larger area.

An Article 4 Direction is only used for areas or buildings with significant historic quality or character.

Article 4 Directions give greater control over planning alterations. This is because they can remove 'permitted development' rights. As a result, small extensions and alterations in a conservation area may need planning permission. Examples include:

• erecting a porch
• replacing doors or windows
• painting the outside of a building

An Article 4 (2) Direction was approved in 2002 applying to dwelling houses in Wisbech and Bowthorpe conservation areas. This means that planning permission is needed for:

• replacing a window (if fronting a highway, waterway or open space)
• making the property bigger
• changing a roof
• erecting a porch
• removing a stack
• works relating to access, gates, fences and walls

New Article 4 Direction approval

On 22 March 2022, a new Article 4 Direction was approved for Land at How Fen, Rear of Meadow Farm, Horseway near Chatteris. This means that a grant of planning permission must be obtained for development of the type to which it applies. 

• Cabinet approval: Chatteris Article 4 Direction [Item 7]
• Article 4 Direction: How Fen, Horseway, Chatteris (PDF) [79KB]
• Location Plan: Land at How Fen Horseway Near Chatteris (PDF) [431KB]
• Site Plan: Land at How Fen Horseway Near Chatteris (PDF) [111KB]

Following public consultation, the Article 4 Direction was approved at the Cabinet meeting on 5 September 2022. View meeting minutes.