Article 4 Map for Class MA

Which local authorities block Class MA (use Class E to residential) with an Article 4?

We map local authorities which currently restrict Class MA changes from Use Class E to residential (C3) through an Article 4 Direction. This list has been checked against local authority sources and the Secretary of State Article 4 modification records, most recently on 19th September 2026. There is no authoritative national Class MA register, so always check the underlying Direction and map before relying on an entry.

Forthcoming Class MA Directions: Maidstone Borough Council made a non-immediate Direction on 15th September 2026 covering five town-centre sites and seven office buildings: Invicta House; Medway Bridge House; Meadow House; Kestrel House and Knightrider House; and County Gate One and Two. It withdraws the Class E to C3 right in Class MA if confirmed. Representations run to 5pm on 30th October 2026 and the Direction states that date as its intended operative date. As at 23rd September 2026, confirmation has not been published. Cheshire West and Chester has made three non-immediate Directions for Chester Business Park, Gadbrook Park and Chester West / Sealand Industrial Estate, proposed to take effect on 10th August 2027 if confirmed. The consultation closed on 18th September 2026 and, as at 19th September 2026, confirmation has not been published. Runnymede’s Direction covering five Strategic Employment Areas has been confirmed and comes into force on 8th February 2027. Sefton’s additional 2026 Direction for commercial parades in Bootle, Seaforth and Netherton is intended to take effect on 28th July 2027 if confirmed. These future controls do not block Class MA before their operative dates. See our Cheshire West Class MA Article 4 update for more on those three Directions.

Some Directions cover only a few buildings, while others cover much wider areas. Always read the wording as well as the map. A Direction may withdraw Class MA only for particular former uses, floors, buildings or locations rather than every Class E property in the area. Our Use Class E page explains the range of activities within the class.

The information on this page is correct to the best of our knowledge. Planning Geek cannot be held responsible for any errors. You are advised to check with the local authority if in doubt.

Did you know that Planning Geek submits applications to every local authority mentioned on this page? Get a planning help today for your project and let us help with that uncertainty.

Please use the dropdown list or search for your town or local authority.  

Please note that some sites list other areas as having an Article 4 blocking Class MA, we can’t find any evidence to prove some of them. However, please let us know if we are missing any!

This list is copyrighted to Planning Geek in the format shown. We have however assisted other online maps to plug holes where they have been missing locations. All Article 4 maps and documents are copyrighted to their original owners. 

You can still apply for an office to residential in an Article 4 map area! 

Did you know that Planning Geek submits applications to every local authority mentioned on this page? Get a planning help today for your project and let us help with that uncertainty.

Remember that an Article 4 Direction is specific in what it withdraws. This page covers Class MA only. For HMO restrictions, compensation, incoming Directions and the legislation, use our Article 4 section.

More Article 4 resources

Article 4 directions can affect different permitted development rights and different areas. Use the index for the complete section, or go straight to the topic you need.

Article 4 Map for Class MA Page Created: 12th July 2025

Article 4 Map for Class MA Page Updated: 19th September 2026