Planning Legislation

Planning requirements for HMO

The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended) introduced a definition of a HMO in 2010. The result is that a material change of use from a dwelling house which falls within use class C3, to a new class for HMOs (C4) requires planning permissions if it is intended to be occupied by 7 or more people as an HMO.

If you are intending to provide accommodation as a large HMO, please consult with the Planning and Building Control departments as soon as possible to seek advice.

If you do not have the required permissions in place, the Council’s Planning Enforcement section may take action against you and can require you to return the property back to a single occupancy house.