Householders can normally make minor alterations to their houses without requiring planning permission.  This is called "permitted development".  However, in some areas, notably in Conservation Areas, the Council has removed these "permitted development rights" by making an Article 4 Direction.  The areas affected are:

• Allestree Conservation Area
• Arboretum Conservation Area
• Darley Abbey Conservation Area  
• Hartington Street Conservation Area
• Highfield Cottages Conservation Area
• Little Chester Conservation Area
• Markeaton Conservation Area
• Mickleover Conservation Area
• Spondon Conservation Area
• Strutts Park Conservation Area

Article 4 Directions are made under part of the planning legislation called the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995.  The effect of a Direction is that planning permission is required for specified classes of works that are carried out on any elevation facing a highway.  These are:

• making any alteration to the roof - this includes replacing the slates or tiles, putting in a rooflight or altering dormer windows (the insertion of dormer windows requires planning permission in any event).
• removal, replacement or alteration of windows and doors
• painting or rendering external brickwork.

Additionally, you require planning permission to alter or erect any type of Boundary Treatment (e.g. walls, fences, gates, etc) which face a highway, in the following Conservation Areas:-

• Arboretum
• Hartington Street 
• Strutts Park

Repair and maintenance work which does not change the appearance of the property will not need planning permission provided that the same types of materials are used.  An Article 4 Direction does not prevent you from altering or repairing your home.

If your house is affected by an Article 4 Direction, and you are not sure whether work you are intending needs planning permission, please check with the Built Environment Team, before any work commences.