1. What is an Article 4 Direction?
2. Can I change wooden windows and doors for plastic ones?
3. Can I demolish my front wall to make a car parking space?
1. What is an Article 4 Direction?
Some alterations can be made to the outside of homes without planning permission. These alterations are known as ‘permitted development’ and include such things as changing windows and doors and demolishing boundary walls. Over time these changes can gradually change the special character of a conservation area.
Article 4 Directions can be used to take away some of these ‘permitted development rights’ to protect the features and qualities which give a conservation area its special character and appearance. Usually the Article 4 Directions only apply to the front elevation. Planning permission must be sought and granted before certain alterations can be made or works carried out. The philosophy is one of gradual improvement over time with the retention and reinstatement of accurate features.
2. Can I change wooden windows and doors for plastic ones?
No. Most plastic windows have frames which are larger than those of traditional windows, do not have the same detailing and don’t open in the same way. Similarly, plastic doors do not look the same as traditional wooden doors.
Original features must be kept and repaired as necessary. If they are beyond repair, exact copies can be made. When modern windows and doors need replacing, the borough council will look for their replacement with replica traditional features. It is possible to improve the performance of windows using secondary glazing or proprietary draught-proofing systems without the need for planning permission.
3. Can I demolish my front wall to make a car parking space?
No. The Article 4 Direction seeks to protect historic and traditional boundary structures such as brick walls and railings and maintain the boundary line along a street. When a modern boundary structure needs replacing, it should be replaced with a traditional boundary which is appropriate to the building and the street.
More detailed information can be found in the leaflets about listed buildings, conservation areas and Article 4 Directions available on this website. You can also contact the borough council’s conservation officers on 01284 757356 or 757339 or you can e-mail conservation@stedsbc.gov.uk.
