An Article 4 Direction is a special planning regulation adopted by a Local Planning Authority to provide additional powers of planning control in a particular location. It operates by removing "Permitted Development" rights over certain specified classes of minor alterations and extensions, such as porches, replacement of windows and doors and painting of the exterior of a building.
The aim of an Article 4 Direction is to encourage the retention of high quality architectural features and to preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the built heritage.
The extent of areas covered by Article 4 Directions in the South Downs National Park are recorded as polygons. Where an Article 4 object is only partly within the National Park, the whole area has been plotted for completeness. If part of the Article 4 falls outside of the National Park then the relevant Council should be contacted regarding planning or boundary enquiries.