York Place is a unique complete street of terraced early 19th century housing with fine Georgian detailing. Because of this an Article 4 Direction was placed on frontages in 1986. It seeks to ensure that York Place retains its historic character and appearance and remains an attractive and desirable place to live now and in the future.

The Article 4 Direction means that there are restrictions on "permitted development", minor works and alterations that could normally be carried out without planning permission. This aims to control small scale changes that would progressively erode the architectural character of the area.

In 2019 Worcester City Council prepared a "Design Guide" for the YPRA to help residents and their contractors carry out works while maintaining the historic and architectural qualities of the street.

This Design Guide may be downloaded from this website or a paper copy obtained from Andrew Newman at 30 York Place. (Please note that the contact email address for the YPRA given in the York Place Design Guide for Article 4 Directions is no longer active. The current address is committee@ypra.org.uk. Other links appear up to date.)