Article 4 Directions and Heritage
Particular types of minor development do not need planning permission, even within conservation areas. These forms of development are termed 'permitted development'.
Whilst they may appear minor when viewed individually, changes through permitted development can cumulatively affect the overall character of a building or conservation area, leading to a gradual erosion of its special interest.
This change is managed by the introduction of planning controls known as Article 4 Directions.
Article 4 directions can be put in place on buildings or parts of buildings to add further controls for features which are particularly important to the historic and architectural interest of the area. This may be with regards to development such as replacing windows, painting the exterior of a property or constructing a porch. Each Article 4 Direction will be clear about precisely which permitted development rights have been removed, and for which properties.
Once an Article 4 Direction is made, planning permission becomes necessary to undertake any development referred to within the Direction. An Article 4 direction does not automatically mean that the development cannot take place, but it provides further controls to ensure that any development that is permitted is appropriate to the character of the locality.
Making an Article 4 Direction
Article 4 Directions can be made both within and outside of conservation areas. Article 4 Directions are made by the District Council as Local Planning Authority. In the process of making the Direction, there will be direct consultation with the properties concerned and the opportunity provided to make comments.
The Council is assessing the use of Article 4 Directions alongside the current Conservation Areas review project to establish whether further controls are necessary to protect local character.
Current Article 4 Directions Consultations
The recent consultation on Article 4 Directions in the conservation areas of Flore, Weedon, Everdon, Little Everdon, Staverton, Welford, Kilsby and Pitsford is now closed. Responses to the consultation can no longer be accepted. The draft directions and notices can be viewed below. For further information regarding the consultation or Article 4 Directions, please contact heritage@daventrydc.gov.uk
Consultation Autumn 2020
In the autumn of 2019 Daventry District Council undertook public consultation on Article 4(1) Directions for the conservation areas at Harlestone, Moulton, Brixworth, Boughton, Braunston and Daventry Town Centre. The consultation has now closed, and the Directions were confirmed by Council on Thursday 20th February 2020. For more information regarding the Directions please contact planningpolicy@daventrydc.gov.uk. The Article 4(1) Directions and Notice of the Directions can be viewed below.
Autumn 2019 consultation CLOSED
Harlestone Conservation Area
Moulton Conservation Area
Daventry Town Centre Area
Brixworth Conservation Area
Boughton Conservation Area
Braunston Conservation Area
Finding out if your property has an Article 4 Direction
The process of making an Article 4 Direction as part of the Conservation Area project will include consultation with the properties concerned and notification of the adoption of the Direction.
If you are unsure whether your property is covered by an Article 4 Direction, or whether any works require planning permission, please contact the Council's Development Control service by phoning 01327 871100 or emailing plancare@daventrydc.gov.uk
View the Government's Planning Portal to find out more information about Article 4 Directions