Current and proposed directions
Local planning authorities use Article 4 directions to remove specific permitted development rights in all or parts of a local authority's area.
When permitted development rights are removed in a local area, anyone wishing to carry out the described development will need to submit a planning application.
Article 4 directions do not apply retrospectively to permitted development already undertaken.
Current Article 4 directions
Many of the Article 4 directions in place in Greenwich relate to conservation areas.
Change of Use from Class E (Commercial, Business and Service Uses) to Class C3 (Residential)
On 3 August 2022, Royal Greenwich made a non-immediate Article 4 direction to withdraw this permitted development right across parts of a number of retail centres within the borough.
This was confirmed and came into force on 8 August 2023.
Download the Article 4 direction
Download the maps showing the areas covered:
Download the notice of Direction
Change of use from Residential Dwelling House (C3) to House in Multiple Occupation (C4)
In September 2017, Royal Greenwich made a non-immediate Article 4 direction to withdraw this permitted development right across the whole of Royal Greenwich. This was confirmed and came into force on 27 September 2018.
This means that you need planning permission to convert a house into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).
Download the direction and a map showing the area covered
The Royal Borough also operates a licensing scheme for HMOs
Cancelled Article 4 directions
Cancellation of Article 4 Direction restricting Change of Use from Class B1(a) (Offices) to Class C3 (Residential)
Due to a change to the Use Classes Order, this permitted development no longer applies.
For completeness and for the avoidance of doubt the Council cancelled the Direction made in 2013 which applied to some buildings on Greenwich Peninsula on 8 August 2023.
Download the Direction cancellation
Download the map showing the area covered
Download the notice of Direction