Withdrawal of permitted development rights (Article 4 directions)
The withdrawal of permitted development rights by the Local Planning Authority.
Some projects and development can be undertaken without the need for planning permission. This is known as 'permitted development'.
In some instances, we (as the Local Planning Authority) may withdraw permitted development rights by issuing an 'Article 4' direction. An Article 4 direction is used to provide additional control over development in a particular location; for example, where the local amenity and wellbeing of an area would be threatened.
There are two types of Article 4 Direction:
- an immediate direction is where permitted development rights are withdrawn with immediate effect and are then confirmed by us following consultation
- a non-immediate direction is where permitted development rights are withdrawn following consultation and confirmation by us
Where an Article 4 direction is issued, development that would otherwise be classed as permitted development will require planning permission.
An Article 4 direction does not necessarily mean we will subsequently refuse planning permission for a proposal. It simply means that we are given the opportunity to fully assess each proposal on its own merits, having regard to the planning policies and guidance in force at the time.
You can find further information about permitted development rights and Article 4 Directions on the Planning Practice Guidance pages on the GOV.UK website, specifically in the article 'When is Permission Required?'. You can also find further information on the Planning Portal's 'Do you Need Permission?' webpage.
Confirmed Article 4 directions
The following article 4 directs are currently in place.
Theobald Drive, Tilehurst:
Oxford Road, Tilehurst: