Heritage and conservation

Last updated on: 15-Jun-2020

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.

Article 4 guidance notes

Conservation areas with article 4 directions.

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).

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• Article 4 directions
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