Planning guide · City of London

Article 4 Direction in City of London

What Article 4 restricts in City of London, how it affects extensions, lofts and HMOs, and how to plan around it.

Quick answer

Borough
City of London
Planning authority
City of London Corporation
Article 4 in force
Yes
Conservation areas
27
Statutory determination
8 weeks
Our approval rate
98% first time
In detail

Answers for City of London

Does City of London have an Article 4 Direction?

Yes — Multiple Article 4 Directions around office-to-residential, demolition, and shopfront changes.

What does Article 4 remove?

Article 4 removes specific Permitted Development rights — typically the right to convert a single dwelling (C3) to an HMO (C4), or office (B1) to residential (C3), without full planning permission. The right is removed only where the Direction applies.

Can I still extend my home in City of London under Article 4?

Yes. Article 4 in most London boroughs targets HMO conversions and office-to-residential, not householder extensions. Standard rear extensions and loft conversions remain available under Permitted Development unless your property is in a conservation area or is listed.

How do I check if my address is covered by Article 4 in City of London?

Check the planning portal at City of London Corporation or call us — we look up the Article 4 status for your specific address before quoting.

What happens if I build under PD when Article 4 applies?

If Article 4 applies and you build without planning, you face enforcement action: a retrospective application, a stop notice, or in serious cases an enforcement notice requiring reversal. Always check before starting.

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