Gwynedd’s Article 4 Direction Scrapped After Appeal Refused

Cyngor Gwynedd’s Article 4 Direction (A4D) has been effectively scrapped after a Lord Justice refused the council’s application for leave to appeal. The ruling on 6 February 2026 by the Rt Hon Lord Justice Lewison brings the litigation process to an end and marks a significant moment for the local property market across Gwynedd.

What Was the Article 4 Direction?

Introduced in September 2024, the A4D was one of several measures used by Cyngor Gwynedd to address the impact of holiday homes in the county. It required property owners to obtain planning permission before converting a residential property into a second home or holiday let.

The direction was informed by council research showing that almost two-thirds of the county’s households were being priced out of the housing market. Data indicated the issue was most acute in communities with high proportions of holiday homes, including areas such as Aberdyfi in south Gwynedd and Abersoch and Nefyn on the Llŷn Peninsula.

What Happened?

Legal action was launched by taxpayers who argued the direction would negatively affect property values and make homes harder to sell. On 27 November 2025, following a High Court hearing, Justice Eyre confirmed an order to quash Cyngor Gwynedd Cabinet’s decision of 16 July 2024 to confirm the A4D. The judge ruled that cabinet members had not been provided with all the details needed to make an informed decision.

The council subsequently submitted a written application requesting permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal. However, Lord Justice Lewison refused that request on 6 February 2026, leaving the A4D no longer in force within the Gwynedd Local Planning Authority Area.

What Does This Mean for Property Owners?

With the A4D quashed, material changes of use that were previously restricted now have permitted development rights once again. This means property owners in the Gwynedd planning authority area no longer need to obtain planning permission for these changes of use. The relevant permitted development rights can be found within the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (as amended).

It is worth noting that Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, which encompasses a large part of Gwynedd, operates as a separate planning authority and has its own Article 4 Direction in place. Any legal challenge to the Eryri direction would need to be pursued on a different basis, as its processes and consultation differed from those of Cyngor Gwynedd.

What Happens Next?

A spokesperson for Cyngor Gwynedd expressed disappointment with the decision and confirmed the council would be considering its next steps. The council has stated it remains determined to ensure that the people of Gwynedd have access to suitable homes in their communities and to manage the number of properties being converted into second homes or short-term holiday lets.

One possibility is that the council could choose to relaunch an A4D bid, potentially drawing on lessons from the Eryri process. However, the High Court has advised the council to consider the proportionality of any future action by weighing the benefits against the impact on property owners’ rights.

This is a developing situation and we will continue to monitor any further announcements from Cyngor Gwynedd. If you have any questions about how these changes may affect your property plans in Gwynedd, the team at Williams & Goodwin is here to help – contact us today.