Heritage and conservation
3. Article 4 directions
If we believe that specific planning problems exist in a conservation area, for example unsympathetic alterations to houses that harm or erode its character, we can make an 'Article 4 Direction'. This means certain types of development are no longer exempt from planning permission.
Do I need planning permission if I live in an area with an Article 4 Direction?
If you are considering embarking on any alterations to the exterior of your property and are in any doubt about whether planning permission will be required, please consult our Do I need planning permission? section.
What about changes that have already been made prior to the Article 4 Direction?
The Direction is not retrospective and the restrictions come in to force on the date of the Direction. The Direction will not require you to make any changes in retrospect to your property.
| Conservation Area | Designation / Confirmation | Article 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Windmill Hill North | April 1998 / August 1998 | 2 |
| Milton | November 1998 / April 1999 | 2 |
| Upper Windmill Street | November 1998 / April 1999 | 2 |
| Darnley Road | September 1999 / March 2000 | 2 |
| Windmill Hill South | September 2007 / February 2008 | 2 |
| King Street | March 2008 / July 2008 | 2 |
| Pelham Road/The Avenue | July 2008 / October 2008 | 2 |
| Riverside | September 2008 / November 2008 | 2 |
| Overcliffe | October 2008 / December 2008 | 2 |
| Hook Green | February 2009 / May 2009 | 2 |
| Lansdowne Square | February 2009 / April 2009 | 2 |
| Cobham | June 2009 / July 2009 | 2 |
| Meopham Green | August 2009 / October 2009 | 2 |
| Milton Place Extension | November 2009 / December 2009 | 2 |
| The Street, Meopham | November 2009 / December 2009 | 2 |
| Chestnut Green | February 2010 / March 2010 | 2 |
| Upper Windmill Street extension | March 2010 / May 2010 | 2 |
| Shorne | November 2010 / December 2010 | 1 |
| Darnley Road extension | November 2010 / December 2010 | 1 |
| Thong, Shorne | November 2010 / January 2011 | 1 |
| Church Street, Higham | November 2010 / January 2011 | 1 |
| Harvel, Meopham | November 2010 / January 2011 | 1 |
| The Hill, Northfleet | December 2010 / January 2011 | 1 |
| Queens Farm, Shorne | December 2010 / January 2011 | 1 |
| Lower Higham | Pending |
Please note that from April 2010 Article 4(2) directions have been replaced with Article 4(1) directions. The effect of an Article 4(1) direction is identical to that of the previously issued Article 4(2).