Article 4 Planning Directions | Waverley Borough Council

What is an article 4 direction?

An article 4 direction restricts the scope of permitted development rights either in relation to a particular area or site, or a particular type of development anywhere in the local authority's area.

Where an article 4 direction is in effect, a planning application may be required for development that would otherwise have been permitted development.

Following changes to the Use Class Order 1987 and the General Permitted Development Order 2015, the two existing article 4 directions in Beacon Hill and Godalming became out of date on 31 July 2022. On 2 August 2022, Waverley made replacement article 4 directions in these two areas.

Certain types of work or certain types of development can be undertaken without needing to apply for planning permission. These are called "permitted development rights" and are set out in The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015. They derive from a general planning permission granted not by the local authority but by Parliament.

Waverley Borough Council has made an Article 4 Direction for the commercial area of Beacon Hill, removing permitted development rights that previously allowed the conversion of commercial properties into residential use without full planning permission. Effective from 2 August 2022, this measure ensures that any such changes are subject to formal planning approval, helping to protect the area's commercial character, support local businesses, and maintain a balanced community. This replaces the previous, broader Article 4 Direction (A4D-29) first introduced in 2019, and aligns with updated government guidelines on Article 4 Directions.

Beacon Hill article 4 direction (including map)

A copy of the direction (including a plan defining the area covered by the direction) can be inspected at:

Waverley Borough Council, The Burys, Godalming, GU7 1HR - please call 01483 523333 to make an appointment

Representation period

Consultation was open from 5 August to 12 September 2022. The council did not receive any submissions.

Waverley Borough Council has made an Article 4 Direction for the commercial area located close to Godalming train station, removing permitted development rights that allow the change of use from commercial uses to residential. This means that planning permission is now required for any change of use from commercial to residential within this area. The Article 4 Direction was made on 2 August 2022. This replaces the previous, broader Article 4 Direction (A4D-30) first introduced in 2020, and aligns with updated government guidelines on Article 4 Directions.

Godalming article 4 direction (including map)

A copy of the direction (including a plan defining the area covered by the direction) can be inspected at: