Planning restrictions in The Gorge World Heritage Site

The Article 4(2) Direction for the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site has been in place since 1998. This Direction removes some permitted development rights for dwelling houses which means if you wish to carry out certain works to your property you will need to apply for planning permission. It does not mean applications will be refused but ensures proposals are of high quality and reflect the importance of the World Heritage Site.

The existing direction withdraws the right to carry out the following works where the development fronts a highway, waterway or open space:

  • the alteration, addition, renewal or replacement of any windows (including roof lights and dormers) to any dwelling
  • the alteration, addition, renewal or replacement of any external doors
  • the erection, construction, improvement, alteration or replacement of a gate, fence, wall or other means of enclosure of a dwelling
  • the demolition or removal of the whole or part of any gate, fence, wall or other means of enclosure of a dwelling
  • any alteration to the roof of a dwelling
  • the erection or construction of a porch outside any external door of a dwelling
  • the provision within the curtilage of a dwelling house of a hard surface for any purpose.

This direction has now been amended and it also withdraws the following rights: 

  • the erection, construction, improvement, alteration or replacement of outbuildings of a dwelling
  • the erection, construction, improvement, alteration or replacement of extensions of a dwelling
  • the erection, alteration or removal of a chimney, flues, soil and vent pipes on a dwelling
  • the installation of solar panels and micro generation facilities on or attached to a dwelling
  • the installation of satellite dishes on a dwelling or within the curtilage of a dwelling.

The amended Article 4(2) Direction was confirmed on the 28 December 2012 and came into immediate effect. 

We have produced a guide for residents of the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site that provides information to help make informed choices and decisions when considering making changes to or carrying out works to both the dwelling house, and the land that surrounds the property.

Download the Telford & Wrekin Council's World Heritage Site resident's guide (.pdf Size: 1643Kb)

As the Council receives a number of applications for replacement windows and doors within the Gorge, the Planning Authority has prepared guidance to assist residents.

Download the Telford & Wrekin Council's guidance on replacement windows and doors within Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site (.pdf Size: 1634Kb)

This guidance should also be used for other heritage assets including conservation areas and listed buildings. 

View further information on the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site

Last updated : 24 November 2025

Planning restrictions in industrial/business areas 

An Article 4 Direction is in place for the industrial/business areas of Central Park/Town Centre, Halesfield, Hortonwood, Stafford Park and Tweedale.

The Direction removes the prior approval mechanism within Part 3 of the General Permitted Development Order 2015 for the following changes of use:

  • Part O – Class B1(a) (offices) to C3 (dwellinghouses)
  • Part PA – Class B1(c) (light industrial) to C3 (dwellinghouses)
  • Part P – Class B8 (storage or distribution centre) to C3 (dwellinghouses).

This does not mean that the development would not be allowed, but that you will need to apply for planning permission and the application will be assessed against planning policies.

The Order was confirmed on 30 September 2016 and came into force on 1 October 2017.

Last updated : 30 August 2024

Overview

Telford & Wrekin Council is consulting on proposals to introduce an Article 4 Direction to help regulate quality and quantity of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Local Authorities can introduce these schemes in all or parts of their district where they can demonstrate that HMOs are having a negative impact such as anti-social behaviour, crime and poor housing conditions on occupants or neighbourhoods.

The order will protect the amenity and ensure the communities within the Borough of Telford & Wrekin Council remain sustainable, with a mix of dwellings, including those for families and single occupiers.

An Article 4 Direction is a planning tool used by local authorities to restrict certain permitted development rights, in this case small HMOs. A Direction was made 16 December 2025 and subject to the consultation process and legislative timeframes it is proposed to be take effect in February 2027. It would remove the Permitted Development Rights that allow the conversion of a dwelling house (Use Class C3) into a small HMO (Use Class C4) for up to six residents. The effect of the Article 4 Direction means planning permission will be required.

The Consultation Approach

Alongside the proposal regarding an Article 4 Direction, Telford & Wrekin Council is consulting regarding additional licensing in parallel. The legislation in respect of additional licensing and an Article 4 Direction is distinctly different with separate consultations and different consultation periods. 

Article 4 Direction consultation

Make a comment on the Article 4 Direction

This consultation will run from 16 December 2025 to 10 February 2026 (6-week statutory consultation period extended by 2-weeks over the Christmas period).

Any queries relating to the consultation regarding the introduction of the Article 4 Direction only should be directed to Development Management by emailing article4consultation@telford.gov.uk or by telephone on 01952 380380.

Additional information

Last updated : 17 December 2025