Proposed new restrictions on permitted development (Article 4 Directions) consultation
If the new Article 4 Directions are confirmed, from 1 January 2027 you’ll need planning permission for a material change of use from a dwelling house (Use Class C3) to a small house in multiple occupation (Use Class C4) in these areas.
Notice of the newly made Article 4 Directions was given on 17 December 2025.
- pdf Brislington (opens new window) Go to index.php?option=com_docman&view=document&alias=10439-article-4-brislington&category_slug=ask-bristol&Itemid=159 (opens new window)(1.50 MB)
- pdf Frome Vale (opens new window) Go to index.php?option=com_docman&view=document&alias=10440-article-4-frome-vale&category_slug=ask-bristol&Itemid=159 (opens new window)(1.36 MB)
- pdf Purdown (opens new window) Go to index.php?option=com_docman&view=document&alias=10441-article-4-purdown&category_slug=ask-bristol&Itemid=159 (opens new window)(1.65 MB)
- pdf Southmead and Horfield (opens new window) Go to index.php?option=com_docman&view=document&alias=10442-article-4-southmead-and-horfield&category_slug=ask-bristol&Itemid=159 (opens new window)(1.39 MB)
- pdf St George (opens new window) Go to index.php?option=com_docman&view=document&alias=10443-article-4-st-georges&category_slug=ask-bristol&Itemid=159 (opens new window)(1.20 MB)
- pdf Westbury Park (opens new window) Go to index.php?option=com_docman&view=document&alias=10444-article-4-westbury-park&category_slug=ask-bristol&Itemid=159 (opens new window)(986 KB)
Online map showing the proposed Article 4 Direction areas
Copies of the proposed new Article 4 Directions are also available to inspect at:
- City Hall, College Green, Bristol, BS1 5TR
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm
Tell us what you think
We’re inviting comments on the newly made Article 4 Directions from Wednesday 17 December 2025 to Thursday 29 January 2026.
To comment:
- write to Tim O’Gara, Head of Legal and Democratic Services, Bristol City Council, City Hall, PO Box 3300, Bristol, BS1 9LN
- email legal.support@bristol.gov.uk
Quote reference number DB3/17011792 on all correspondence.
What happens next
Consultation on the new Article 4 Directions closes on Thursday 29 January 2026.
We’ll take into account all comments made when deciding whether to confirm the new Article 4 Directions. They can’t take effect until we’ve confirmed then.
If we confirm them, the new Article 4 Directions will take effect on 1 January 2027. Until then, normal permitted development rights will apply.
Key dates
- Start date: 17 December 2025
- End date: 29 January 2026
Documents
pdf Article 4 Legal Direction - Brislington made 9.12.25(180 KB)
pdf Article 4 Legal Direction - Frome Vale made 9.12.25(192 KB)
pdf Article 4 Legal Direction - Purdown made 9.12.25(206 KB)
pdf Article 4 Legal Direction - Southmead and Horfield made 9.12.25(176 KB)
pdf Article 4 Legal Direction - St George made 9.12.25(1.20 MB)
pdf Article 4 Legal Direction - Westbury Park made 9.12.25(986 KB)