Article 4 Direction FAQs

Article 4 Directions, if implemented, withdraw certain permitted development rights ‘in the interest of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance’ of a Conservation Area. The aim in Conservation Areas is to encourage the retention of high quality features on buildings and to enhance the environment of which they are part. ‘Like for like' repairs and replacement of original architectural features is encouraged, as is the removal of previous unsympathetic changes to buildings, (although the latter cannot normally be achieved through compulsion). 
However, the intention of a Direction is not to prevent all change. It is really to ensure that any significant changes are subject to planning control, thus allowing for public comment on the proposals and for the local authority to assess their impact on the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.

Article 4 Directions cannot be made retrospectively. The council cannot require the reinstatement of features such as sliding sash windows where these were lost before the Directions were made. If, however, original features are altered or removed without planning permission, after a Direction has been made, then the council will take enforcement action to ensure that the appropriate reinstatement of those features is achieved.

The following alterations to buildings may need planning permission if covered by a Article 4 Direction. If in doubt, please check with the Conservation, Design and Landscape Team before undertaking any works. You should inform your architect, builder, or solicitor that your property is covered by an ‘Article 4 Direction’.
 
Alterations which may require planning permission include:-

1. Alterations to Elevations
   Where the overall treatment of elevations plays a vital role in forming the character of a street or an area and where there is a need to maintain the harmony of the ‘street scene’ then an Article 4 Direction can be used to restrict the facing materials. This could for instance apply to the retention of flint facings or brickwork in a terrace of dwelling houses where one property changing its elevational treatment would harm the overall appearance and character of the rest. Other alterations to elevations which could require planning permission from the Council as a result could include porches, extensions and other works materially affecting the appearance of the building, including satellite dishes.
2. Roofs
   Roofs can have a major impact on the character of an individual building and particularly a group of buildings or a terrace for instance. Where there is a prevailing roof material such as natural slate or clay pantile, re-roofing in the same material will be required and permission to change the existing roofing required.
3. Roof Windows
   Roof lights can have a significant impact on a building’s appearance. Where they do not greatly affect the character of a building or a Conservation Area they would generally be acceptable. However where there is an impact an Article 4 will be considered. As an example applications for dormer windows would be permitted only if they traditionally existed throughout that particular group of buildings in a Conservation Area.
4. Doors and Windows
   Where the original period design of doors and windows remains and contributes greatly to the character of the Conservation Area they should be retained. The installation of replacement doors and windows in aluminium, in plastic, or in designs other than that which existed on principal elevations, would not normally receive permission, other than in exceptional circumstances.
5. Painting Facades
   Every effort should be made to keep original brick work exposed, especially in areas where brick facing prevails. Permission would not normally be granted for exterior painting of brickwork in areas covered by the Direction.
6. Textured Paint and Render
   The introduction of textured paint or render can impact substantially on the character of an area. Where this is not the pattern of external treatment this would not normally receive planning permission, especially in areas where brick or flint prevails.
7. Hard standings
   Sometimes additional control is necessary to prevent cars from dominating the ‘street scene’ and the setting of buildings. Under these circumstances proposals for vehicle hard standings should minimise the impact on the surrounding area or they will not be approved. Careful attention to paving and landscaping is required. Permission to erect a fence, wall or railing on the front curtilage boundary would normally be approved only if it was of a type which prevailed in the area concerned. (An Article 4.1 Direction as well as an Article 4.2 Direction may be necessary in this instance).
   

What about repairs?

If repairs are necessary then these maybe carried out without the need for planning permission, provided that the repairs are carried out ‘like for like’ using the same materials.

What should I do if want to carry out alterations?

First of all check with the Conservation, Design and Landscape Team to see whether permission is required. If so, application forms and leaflets will be supplied informing you what will be required with your planning application. Where a planning application is required as a consequence of an Article 4 Direction there is no fee payable. Your application will normally take less than two months to be decided. If it is refused you may appeal to get the decision reversed.

Why do we need your co-operation?

We are sure that most people will appreciate the need to control development more carefully within North Norfolk's Conservation Areas in order to protect their special character and appearance. Indeed past generations have preserved the area for our enjoyment.  It is to be hoped that future generations will be equally grateful for the care which is taken today.