Summary
Permitted development rights allow certain works or changes of use to happen without a full planning application, provided the proposal stays within legal limits and conditions. For home buyers, this matters because a neighbour may be able to carry out some extensions, outbuildings or alterations without the same full planning process.
Article 4 directions are local controls that remove specified permitted development rights in a defined area or for a defined type of development. They are often used where local character, conservation areas or specific local pressures need tighter control. A buyer should check both the national permitted development rules and the local planning authority’s Article 4 directions before assuming what can or cannot be built nearby.
Definition
Permitted development is planning permission granted by national legislation for specified types of development, subject to limits and conditions. An Article 4 direction is a local planning authority direction that withdraws specified permitted development rights so that a planning application is required.