Issue details

To seek approval for implementing an Article 4 Direction to control the proliferation of small Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs). 

The Planning system categorises HMOs as either use class C4 (small houses in multiple occupation) consisting of between three and six persons with basic shared facilities, or for HMO’s over six residents fall into the Sui Generis (meaning a ‘class of its own’)  classification.

Although planning permission is required for a change into the Sui Generis classification, it is permitted development (i.e. no permission is required) to change from a dwelling (Use class C3) to a small HMO (use class C4).

An Article 4 direction provides a mechanism where the use of permitted development rights can be removed and thereby requiring an application for planning permission.