Lewes District Council

Article 4 directions

Historic house Alterations normally permitted are now always allowed in Conservation Areas as we look to retain the area's heritage through Article 4 Direction.

All houses within the Conservation Area need planning permission for works that face a highway, river, watercourse or open space where the work proposed is included on the following list

Any alteration to a roof, including roof coverings, roof lights and solar panels
Building a porch
Erecting sheds and temporary buildings
Building a swimming pool
Building a hard standing
Installing a satellite dish or antenna
Removing, building or altering chimneys
Removing, or building walls, gates, fences or other means of enclosure
Exterior painting of previously unpainted surfaces or changes of external colour schemes
Any enlargement or improvement or alteration such as an extension or conservatory
Any change to doors or windows, including changed materials, details and designs and types of decorative finish.

There is no fee for planning applications needs as a result of the Article 4 Direction.

Article 4 Direction

Some development and certain minor works to residential buildings, such as changes to doors, windows and colours can normally be carried out without obtaining planning permission.

Such development is called “permitted development”. The special nature of Lewes Conservation Area and past problems of erosion of its special character, led to the removal of the right to “permitted development” in certain circumstances in this area.

This is called the Lewes Article 4 Direction and has been in force since November 1995.

Directive requirement

Small changes in themselves may have little impact on individual properties. But in Lewes where the town centre contains many residential properties the effect of many small changes leads to the gradual erosion of the quality of the Lewes Conservation Area.

Many properties are terraced where the character is very dependant on the whole effect of the group of buildings.

The architectural unity is important here, but in other areas of mixed styles, materials and details are important for the character of the area.

Repairs

The aim of these controls is to encourage good design quality restoration and “like for like” repairs. Such repair work will not need planning permission.

If you wish to undertake alterations you should check with us and inform your architect, solicitor and builder that you live in a Conservation Area and that there is an Article 4 Direction.

If inappropriate alterations take place without planning permission, enforcement action may be taken.

Listed buildings will also need Listed Building Consent for any alterations which may affect the character of the building.

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Article 4 directions

Article 4 Direction

Directive requirement

Repairs

Other district Article 4 Directions