The new government has now included Houses in Multiple Occupation within its changes to the planning system. Changes which were introduced earlier in the year included the creation of a new use class (C4) for shared dwelling housing up to 6 people sharing facilities and more importantly the need for planning permission to convert a single family dwelling to a HMO property in the C4 use class. The latest amendment which came into force on 1st September significantly relaxes the position and it is now possible to switch between the C3 (single dwelling) and C4 use classes without the need for planning permission. A copy of the amendment to the GPDO is attached below.

These changes are likely to significantly reduce the number of planning applications submitted to Local Authorities and will provide flexibility for property owners and in particular landlords in considering how to let their properties. The government has shown in making this move that it wishes to reduce the burden on landlords and what it sees as unnecessary bureaucracy in requiring planning applications for small proposals. These latest changes are welcomed however it is likely that Council’s will seek to retain control over HMOs in locations where there is a perceived problem form this form of accommodation through Article 4 directions. Article 4 directions allow Council’s to remove permitted certain development rights and the ability to change a property from a C3 to a C4 use is likely to be restricted in certain instances. This could well be the case in for example areas where a high proportion of student accommodation exists and this has created local problems on matters such as car parking or even character of an area.

In most areas the changes will free up the ability of landlords to switch between the C3 and C4 use classes. It will be important however to check for local restrictions which are likely to be introduced by Local Authorities in the coming months as there will be situations where planning permission will be necessary.