Article 4 Directions

An Article 4 Direction is a legal tool used by local planning authorities to restrict permitted development rights, requiring planning permission for changes that would normally be allowed without it. The following Article 4 Directions are confirmed within Stockton-on-Tees.

Borough-wide Article 4 Direction in relation to Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO)

This Article 4 Direction requires planning consent for the change of use of a building within Class C3 (dwelling houses) to a use falling within Class C4 (HMO) through the removal of permitted development rights for this type of development.

A public notice was published advertising the Article 4 Direction consultation on Wednesday 18 March 2026 with a consultation running from 19 March 2026 to 17 April 2026. Having considered and taken into account the representations received, the local planning authority has confirmed the Article 4 Direction which will come into force on 22 March 2027 applying to the entirety of the Borough.

Area specific Article 4 Directions

In some of the most sensitive parts of our Conservation Areas it has been considered necessary to have tighter control over changes which may adversely affect the quality of the character and appearance. This control has been achieved through Article 4 Directions on parts of our conservation areas (with the exception of Stockton Town Centre and Eaglescliffe With Preston Conservation Areas). The following items would not normally need planning permission but for the properties covered by the area-specific Article 4 Directions they will require planning permission from the Council for:

Part 1 Development within the curtilage of a dwelling house

Class A	The enlargement, improvement or other alteration of a dwelling house.
Class C	Any other alteration to the roof of a dwelling house.
Class D	The erection or construction of a porch outside any external door of a dwelling house.
Class E	The provision within the curtilage of a dwelling house of any building or enclosure, swimming pool, or other pool required for a purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling house as such or maintenance, improvement or other alteration of such a building or enclosure.
Class F	The provision within the curtilage of a dwelling house of a hard surface for any purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling house as such.
Class H	The installation, alteration or replacement of a satellite antenna on a dwelling house or within the curtilage of a dwelling house.

Part 2 Minor operations

Class A	The erection, construction, maintenance, improvement or alteration of a gate, fence, wall or other means of enclosure.
Class C	The painting of any exterior building or work.