Planning & Heritage
What Is an Article 4 Direction?
The short answer
An Article 4 direction is made by a council to remove particular permitted development rights in a defined area. Where it covers windows or doors, you'll need planning permission for changes — which lets the council assess the design, not necessarily refuse it.
Windows in the Dales editorial team · Published 25 September 2026 · Reviewed 25 September 2026 · Next review March 2027
Key takeaways
- Each direction lists what it covers
- Not every conservation area has one
- It doesn't ban replacement
Directions are published by councils, often with conservation area documents. Some cover only front elevations.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a direction covers everything
- Assuming there isn't one