Article 4 Directions
Article 4 directions are a planning tool that removes permitted development rights which would otherwise enable specified classes of alteration, or changes of use to be made to an existing building without the need for planning permission. Where an Article 4 direction is in place, planning permission is required to undertake the specified alteration or change of use.
Manor Royal, Maidenbower Business Park, Lowfield Heath, Three Bridges Corridor, and Tilgate Forest Business Centre
On 1 August 2022, Crawley Borough Council confirmed the making of Directions under Article 4(1) of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 (as amended).
The Article 4 Directions apply to the designated Main Employment Areas at Lowfield Heath, Maidenbower Business Park, Manor Royal, Three Bridges Corridor, and Tilgate Forest Business Centre. The Directions remove permitted development rights granted by Schedule 2, Part 3, Class MA (Class E commercial, business and service use to Class C3 residential) of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended).
With the Directions now in force, planning permission will be required where a change of use is proposed from Use Class E (commercial, business or service) to Use Class C3 (residential) within the affected areas.
Change of use from dwellinghouses to houses in multiple occupation
We confirmed on 15 June 2022 directions relating to 10 areas at the following locations within Crawley under Article 4(1) of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended):
- Aintree Road & Epsom Road, Furnace Green
- Arden Road, Furnace Green
- Ardingly Close, Ifield
- Beverley Mews, Three Bridges
- Caburn Heights, Southgate
- Farmleigh Close, Pound Hill
- Rillside & Winterfold, Furnace Green
- Ringwood Close, Furnace Green
- Victoria Mews, West Green
- Weald Drive, Furnace Green
A map of each area is provided with the relevant direction. The directions remove permitted development rights that previously allowed change of use from dwelling houses (Class C3) to houses of multiple occupation of up to 6 individuals (Class C4). For further background information and an explanation of why we are making these changes, see the report, which was considered by the council Cabinet on 3 February 2021 and the meeting minutes.
The consultation for these Article 4 directions was held between Monday 17 May 2021 and Monday 14 June 2021.
With the directions now in force, planning permission will be required where a change of use is proposed from dwelling houses (Class C3) to houses of multiple occupation with up to 6 residents (Class C4) within the affected areas.
For further information email strategic.planning@crawley.gov.uk or call 01293 438644.
Land at Westfield Place
On 10 December 2004, we confirmed the making of a Direction at Land at Westfield Place under Article 4(1) of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 (as amended). The Direction removes permitted development rights that would otherwise allow the erection, construction, maintenance, improvement or alteration of a gate, wall, fence or other means of enclosure.