Article 4 Directions

What is an Article 4 Direction?

Work can often be done to a dwelling house 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. 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.

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.
 

Which properties are affected?

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 Listed Buildings in Hastings and St Leonards list.

You can find out which properties are affected by the Houses in Multiple Occupation Article 4 Direction 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

Information about when planning permission is required for Houses in Multiple Occupation can be found here.  

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.