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

Telford & Wrekin Council consulted on proposals to introduce a borough wide Article 4 Direction in respect of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

A Direction was made 16 December 2025 to remove permitted development rights within Part 3, Class L of the General Permitted Development Order 2015 for the change of use of a dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) into a small HMO (Use Class C4) for up to 6 residents.

This Direction was confirmed 26 February 2026 and will come into force 27 February 2027. With planning permission already required for large HMOs of more than 6 residents, once in force, it will mean planning permission will be required for all changes of use from a dwellinghouse into a HMO, irrespective of the number of residents.

Last updated : 27 February 2026