Areas with extra planning restrictions (Article 4 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 who wants 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, we made a non-immediate Article 4 direction to withdraw this permitted development across many retail centres in the borough.

This 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, we made a non-immediate Article 4 direction to withdraw this permitted development right across the whole of Royal Greenwich. This 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:

We 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. 

We cancelled the direction made in 2013 which applied to some buildings on Greenwich Peninsula on 8 August 2023.