Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) Practice Exam

An Article 4 Direction is a tool that local planning authorities can use to withdraw some or all permitted development rights granted by the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO). When an Article 4 Direction is in place, it indicates that specific types of development that would normally not require planning permission under the GPDO now do require an express planning permission from the local authority.

This means that the activities or developments typically allowed by the GPDO are no longer automatically permissible; instead, developers must go through the planning application process for those specific developments. This is often instituted to protect the character of an area, ensuring that any new developments align with local planning policies and community concerns.

The other options do not accurately reflect the implications of an Article 4 Direction. For instance, it does not allow for automatic approval of extensions or simplify the process for developers, as it actually adds an additional layer of required permissions. Furthermore, it does not eliminate the need for any type of permission; rather, it specifically establishes that certain developments now require approval where they previously may not have.