What is an Article 4 Direction?
An article 4 direction restricts the scope of permitted development rights, which means that where an article 4 direction is in effect, a planning application may be required for development that would otherwise have been permitted development. RedFrog has requested an article 4 direction to help control works that could threaten the character of the conservation area.
Why an Article 4 Direction would help
Camden has various “green” policies to preserve gardens, natural soft surface and trees. These are strongly supported by residents. But Camden is steadily losing greenery and trees when it should be gaining them.
Because of the lack of an Article 4 front gardens and hedges in Redington Frognal are being replaced by cars, railings and hard surfaces. Other impacts have been an increase in surface water flooding.
The deputation, presented to Camden’s Culture and Environment Scrutiny Committee on 9th June 2020, is available here: Article-4-Direction-SHORT presentation, 9.6.20.pdf
A more detailed background paper is also available.
The Planning Department completed its report into RedFrog’s request for an Article 4 direction to remove certain permitted development rights relating to garden development. This was in response to the RedFrog deputation to the Culture and Environment Committee on 9 June 2020.
The planning officer concluded that the Council should seek to introduce an Article 4 direction so that planning permission will be required in the RedFrog and Fitzjohn’s Netherhall Conservation Areas for the installation of hard surfaces and works to fences, walls, etc. and for hardstanding on front gardens.
Camden completed its consultation on an Article 4 direction to require planning permission for the removal of front garden boundaries by the end of 2022. In September 2023 it began to prioritise work to adopt the direction. Adoption is anticipated for early 2024.
