Article 4 Direction

On 27 November 2025, during a High Court hearing and following his previous judgment, the judge (Justice Eyre) confirmed an order to quash the Article 4 Direction. As a result, the Article 4 Direction has been quashed with immediate effect and is no longer in force within the Gwynedd Local Planning Authority Area.

A verbal request by the Council for permission to appeal the decision was refused. The Council is preparing a written request to appeal to the Court of Appeal. If permission is granted, the case will be heard in the Court of Appeal. 

 

What does this mean?

Following the quashing of the Article 4 Direction, material changes of use that were restricted by the Article 4 Direction now have permitted development right. Therefore, it is not necessary to receive planning permission to undertake these material changes of use. The changes of use which now have permitted development rights can be examined within the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (as amended).

As previously noted, it is emphasised that the Council is following the necessary steps in relation to appealing the decision. If leave to appeal is granted and if that appeal is successful, reversing the High Court's decision to revoke the Article 4 Direction, any material changes of use made in the period between the High Court's decision and the Court of Appeal's decision would be unauthorised and could be subject to enforcement action.

The above is highlighted to ensure that anyone who intends to undertake a material change of use of their property is aware of the potential risks and implications. Anyone who is considering a change of use is recommended to contact the Council’s Planning Service or seek independent legal advice.

 

Further information

If you have a further question that has not been addressed above, please contact the Planning Service:

Contact the Planning Service 

(you will need to create an account if you don't already have one)

 

Further information regarding the quashed Article 4 Direction