Article 4 Directions

What is an Article 4 Direction?

Work can often be done to a property without the need to apply for planning permission. This work is referred to as permitted development rights. In some parts of the town these rights have been removed by legal documents. These documents are called Article 4 Directions. The following Article 4 directions are in place affecting properties in the borough of Hastings. Other than borough wide Article 4s a list of properties affected by Article 4s can be found on our Street Index of Listed Buildings and Article 4 Properties list.

Immediate Article 4 Directions: Landslide Risk Areas

This Article 4 sets out areas subject to landslide risks in the borough, what permitted development rights have been removed and consequently whether planning permission is required.

An immediate Article 4 Direction was started on 30 January 2025 following agreement by Cabinet to remove some householder permitted development rights in two areas, referred to as Cliff Stability Area 1 and Cliff Stability Area 2 in West Hill Road and the surrounding area (list of addresses below).

Article 4 Direction Cliff Stability Area 1

Article 4 Direction Cliff Stability Area 2

Article 4 Direction Cliff Stability Area 1 map (pdf)

Article 4 Direction Cliff Stability Area 2 map (pdf)

List of Addresses in Cliff Stability Area 1 and Area 2.

A period of consultation was undertaken between 29 January 2025 and 21 February 2025 to gather responses in relation to the introduction of the Article 4 Direction.

Please Note:
Planning applications that are submitted because permitted development rights have been removed should ensure that the Land Stability Declaration Form is completed and submitted with the application. The application will not be validated until this is received.

Conservation area Article 4 Directions

They have been put in place to:

• keep and enhance the character and appearance of Conservation Areas
• compliment grant work in Conservation Areas
• implement conservation policies set out in the Hastings Local Plan.

When an Article 4 Direction affects a dwelling house, the document explains what work will require planning permission that would not normally need it.

The dwelling houses that are affected are listed in the Article 4 Directions:

• Article 4 1952 painting restriction
• Article 4 Direction (no 1) 1993
• Article 4 Direction (no 2) 1993
• Article 4 Direction (no 3) 1993

You can also check which dwelling houses are affected in the Street Index of Listed Buildings and Article 4 properties list.

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Article 4 Directions

There is also an Article 4 Direction that affects whether a planning application is needed for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO's) across the whole town.

Details of the HMO Article 4 Direction can be found on our Houses in Multiple Occupation page.  

What do I need planning permission for?

The Article 4 Directions that affect dwelling houses give details about what works will require planning permission. These may vary between the Article 4 Directions.

As a simple guide, planning permission may be required for:

• any extension
• altering the materials or details to the front of the dwelling house
• altering the materials or details on any part of the roof
• building a porch
• erecting a boundary fence
• laying a hardstanding
• painting the front of the property

You can read more information about when planning permission is required for Houses in Multiple Occupation.

What works can be done without planning permission?

Planning permission is not needed to replace, repair or reinstate the existing features of a property where the work is like for like.  In some cases, planning permission will not be needed for alterations or extensions to the rear of the property.

It is recommended that you contact Planning Services prior to doing any work. There may be a fee for your enquiry.

Enforcement

The council may take enforcement action if alterations or building works are done without planning permission. This may result in the work having to be removed or put back as it was before the work was done.

It is recommended that you contact Planning Services prior to doing any work. There may be a fee for your enquiry.