What is an Article 4 Direction and why does the council use them?
Permitted development rights are a national grant of planning permission which allow certain building works and changes of use to be carried out without having to make a planning application, even in conservation areas. These works are referred to as being 'permitted development'. Individually, many of these changes may appear fairly minor but added together they can have a significant effect on the character and appearance of an area.
An Article 4 Direction is made by the local planning authority to restrict the scope of permitted development rights in relation to a particular area or conservation area. When an Article 4 Direction is in place it should be noted that the council is not seeking to prevent alterations from taking place but is aiming to ensure that any alterations respect the special character and appearance of your property and the area in general.
Which areas have Article 4 Directions?
Several areas in Chorley are subject to an Article 4 Direction which each direction restricting permitted development in different ways.
Areas covered include parts of Croston and Withnell Fold.
To check if your property is located within one of the Article 4 Direction areas please use the Council's MyMap
What is required under an Article 4 Direction?
Where an Article 4 Direction is in effect, a planning application may be required for development that would otherwise have been permitted development.