The council’s Cabinet has approved the new measures, which will remove permitted development rights that currently allow family homes to be converted into small HMOs without the need for planning permission. The Article 4 Direction will come into force on 23 October 2026, with the new controls taking immediate effect.
This decision follows a commitment made in August to enhance HMO regulation, aiming to improve housing standards, ensure balanced and sustainable communities, and give residents a greater voice in local development decisions. Under the new direction, future applications to convert properties into small HMOs will require planning permission. This will allow the council to assess the impact on neighbourhoods, housing quality, parking, community cohesion, and public amenity.
The proposal is supported by recent changes to national planning policy, which now recognises the use of Article 4 Directions to address the harmful effects of over-concentrations of small HMOs where evidence justifies intervention. Councillor Duncan Walker, Cabinet Member for Safe and Resilient Communities and Housing, stated the council wants to ensure good-quality housing and thriving neighbourhoods. He emphasised that while HMOs provide important accommodation, their development must be properly managed. The Article 4 Direction will provide greater oversight and ensure community input through the planning process, balancing housing needs with community character and sustainability.
The council is required to undertake a statutory consultation process before the Article 4 Direction can be confirmed. Notices will be published locally, and residents, businesses, and stakeholders will have the opportunity to submit their views. A further report will be presented to the Cabinet after the consultation period to consider feedback before a final decision is made.
