Article 4 Directions
An Article 4 Direction removes specific permitted development rights across a defined area. This limits the type of development that can be carried out without the need for obtaining planning permission.
Heritage
Minor alterations can usually be made to dwellinghouses without requiring planning permission, such as changing doors or windows through 'permitted development rights'.
Within some of Preston's Conservation Areas, the council has removed specific permitted development rights by making an Article 4 Direction.
Conservation Areas Affected
The conservation areas affected are:
- Avenham Conservation Area
- Fishergate Hill Conservation area
- Fulwood Conservation Area
- St Ignatius Square Conservation Area
An Article 4 Direction does not prevent you from altering or repairing your home. However, it does mean that planning permission may be required before any alteration works are carried out, this may include altering and/or replacing doors and windows.
Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
Permitted development rights normally allows for the conversion of a single dwellinghouse (Class C3) to a small HMO (Class C4) without the need for planning permission.
A small HMO is defined as where between 3 and 6 unrelated individuals live together as either their main or only residence and where basic amenities are shared.
A dwellinghouse or HMO occupied by more than six residents is Sui Generis (uses on their own not covered by any use class) unless all occupants form a single household.
Any proposed change of use to a Sui Generis HMO would not benefit from permitted development rights and will require planning permission.
An Article 4 Direction HMO in relation to the restriction on the permitted change of use from Class C3 (Dwellinghouses) to Class C4 (HMOs) came into force on 18 February 2012.
The extent of the Direction covers seven wards within the inner parts of Preston.
Article 4 Direction HMO Review
The Article 4 Direction HMO has now been in force for a period of twelve years; therefore, the City Council conducted a review.
The aim of the review was to assess how effective the 2012 Article 4 Direction HMO has been in the control of Class C4 HMOs, and whether there is a need to introduce a stronger planning approach.
The evidence document created as a result of the review can be viewed and downloaded below. Alternatively, the document can be viewed in-person at the Town Hall during regular opening hours.
Article 4 Directions Consultation
We are currently holding a 6-week consultation on the findings of the review and its recommendations.
The consultation runs from 2pm, Monday 24 February to 5pm, Monday 07 April 2025.
This consultation is running alongside Regulation 19 of the Central Lancashire Local Plan.
Residents and stakeholders are welcome to attend any in-person events in Preston associated with the Local Plan to discuss the Article 4 Direction consultation.
Have your say
Please make your representation no later than 5pm on Monday 7 April 2025.
Representation can be made using our online form.
Complete the Article 4(1) Direction - House of Multiple Occupation (Class C4) consultation form
In-person events
- Wednesday 26 February at 11am till 2pm, at Preston Covered Markets, PR1 2LA.
- Wednesday 05 March at 3pm till 6pm held at UCLan Sports Arena, Tom Benson Way, PR2 1SG.
- Thursday 06 March at 3.30pm till 6.30pm, held at Grimsargh Village Hall, Preston Road, PR2 5JS.
- Thursday 13 March at 3pm till 7pm, held at Preston Town Hall, Lancaster Road, PR1 2R
- Thursday 20 March at 3pm till 7pm, held at Fulwood Free Methodist Church, Lightfoot Lane, PR2 3LT.
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