Latest information about the HMO Article 4 Direction
Between 1 January 2024 and 1 January 2026, a trial HMO Article 4 Direction was in force. This removed the permitted development right from the areas of Fletton, Woodston, Hampton and Park to convert a Class C3 dwellinghouse into a small House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).
As such, this Article 4 Direction has now expired and is no longer in force. Anyone wanting to convert a Class C3 dwellinghouse to a small HMO should refer to The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015.
If you are hoping to convert a dwellinghouse into an HMO, it is recommended that you seek pre-application advice prior to submission of an application for planning permission. For more details on pre-planning application information, visit our planning advice page.
Given the extensive research required to support such Directions, we are unable to advise whether the Article 4 will be reinstated at this time. We are considering whether the Article 4 has been effective, whether it should be reinstated, and what the implications may be. Currently, we are gathering evidence to build up a picture so we can make an informed decision.
About Article 4 Directions
Some types of development can be carried out without the need to submit an application for planning permission. These are called permitted development rights and are set out within The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended).
Article 4 of the General Permitted Development Order allows local planning authorities to withdraw specific permitted development rights across a defined area.
For details on how Article 4 Directions affect householder development in Peterborough, please visit our Conservation - Article 4 Directions page.
Definition of a small HMO
Small HMOs are limited to dwellinghouses with no more than six residents. Therefore, HMOs with more than six residents become a ‘sui generis’ use and a change of use from a dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a ‘larger’ HMO (sui generis use) will always require a full application for planning permission.