Article 4 Direction to withdraw permitted development rights for change of use to C3 (Dwellinghouse) from a use falling within Class E (Commercial, business and service) and ‘certain uses’ (launderette, betting office, or pay day loan shop).
On June 25th 2026 the Council approved the making of a non-immediate Article 4 Direction in various commercial parades in Bootle and parts of Seaforth and Netherton. The Direction was sealed on July 27th 2026 and removes permitted development rights for the change of use from a use falling within Class E (Commercial, business and service) and ‘certain uses’ (launderette, betting office, or pay day loan shop), to a use falling within Class C3 (Dwellinghouses and flats).
The reasons for the Article 4 are to ensure that any conversion provides future residents with satisfactory living conditions and to ensure that local parades don’t lose too many important shops and services for local communities. It doesn’t necessarily mean that a planning application would be refused, but will instead allow local residents and businesses to have their say on the proposed change of use.
The Article 4 direction, and the maps showing where it will apply, can be seen below. As can the report that went to Sefton’s Cabinet.
You can give your views about the Article 4 Direction by 18 September 2026, by email to Local.Plan@sefton.gov.uk. Alternatively representations can be made by writing to Planning Services, Magdalen House, 30 Trinity Road, Bootle, L20 3NJ.
The Article 4 Direction does not come into force immediately. The Council will review any comments submitted. If the Article 4 does proceed to come into force, it will do so on 28 July 2027, one year on from it being made.
| The Article 4 Direction |  (pdf 9.52MB) |
| The Case for the Article 4 | (pdf 1.96MB) |
| Cabinet Report | (pdf 4.2MB) |
| Cabinet Printed Minutes 25_06_2026 | (pdf 141KB) |