Article 4 directions
Some changes to a property can be made without planning permission. An Article 4 Direction removes this automatic right, meaning you must apply for planning permission before making certain changes. We will then assess the application against our planning policies.
Conservation areas
In Liverpool we have introduced Article 4 Directions, which cover most of the city’s conservation areas.
If you live in a conservation area, this means that any works that change the external appearance of a building, or affects its grounds may require planning permission.
For householders, this includes alterations to:
- the roof including roof coverings
- chimneys
- dormers and roof lights
- windows and doors
- external cladding
- gates
- hard-standing and sometimes alterations to the boundary walls.
In the Kensington Fields, Knotty Ash, Toxteth Park and the Avenues conservation areas, the Article 4 directions only apply to elevations that front a highway but all other Article 4 directions in Liverpool apply to all elevations.
In deciding whether to grant planning permission, we have a duty to protect the city’s heritage and all proposals are considered with this in mind.
Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)
Liverpool has Article 4 Directions that apply to HMOs. In these areas, planning permission is required to change a family home (use class C3) into a small HMO (use class C4).
Article 4 Directions and permitted development rights
An Article 4 Direction means planning permission may be required for changes that would not normally need it.
You can check whether any planning constraints apply to a property using the national planning map.
You can also view Liverpool's Article 4 Direction area data.
If you are unsure whether you need planning permission, contact us.