Article 4 Directions
Some minor forms of development to houses are classed as permitted development and are normally exempt from planning permission but in some of the Cities conservation areas, these alterations have resulted in unsuitable changes which have harmed their character. Article 4 Directions which remove these rights have therefore been made, with the support of residents, in some conservation areas. In these areas Planning Permission for certain types of minor development such as the replacement of windows or new hardstanding is now needed (although the application itself is free of charge). The following table shows which conservation areas have Article 4 Directions. Permitted Development applies to houses only, flats and commercial properties do not have any permitted development rights and all alterations will require planning permission.
| Conservation area | Article 4 Direction |
|---|---|
| Chapmanslord Conservation Area | Yes |
| Clifftown Conservation Area | Yes |
| Crowstone Conservation Area | No |
| Eastern Esplanade Conservation Area | No |
| Kursaal Conservation Area | No |
| Leigh Conservation Area | Yes |
| Leigh Cliff Conservation Area | Yes |
| Leigh Old Town Conservation Area | Yes |
| Milton Conservation Area | Yes |
| Prittlewell Conservation Area | No |
| Shoebury Garrison Conservation Area | No |
| Shorefields Conservation Area | Yes |
| The Leas Conservation Area | No |
| Warrior Square Conservation Area | No |
Basic conservation principles
- preserve - protect original features and repair rather than replace. Good maintenance is the key to preserving these important features
- enhancement - when considering alterations, restore missing features and improve badly designed alterations of the past
- materials and design - when alterations are made original materials, designs and detailing should be respected
Planning enforcement and the need for prior consent
In a conservation area or area covered by an Article 4 Direction, planning permission is likely to be required for most of these works. It is strongly advised that you do not undertake any works, including works to trees, before checking with our Development Control Team whether consent is needed (01702 215004).