|
Following the Landlords’ forum on Tuesday 19 September 2023, the City Council (as local planning authority), would like to clarify the position in respect of the Article 4 Direction and houses in multiple occupation.
Notice of the Article 4 Direction proposing to remove permitted development rights to change the use of a C3 property (“dwellinghouse”) to a C4 property (“house in multiple occupation”) was originally given in September 2022.
The Article 4 Direction will come into force across certain Wards in Coventry on 30 September 2023. The Direction removes the permitted development right to change the use of a C3 property (“dwellinghouse”) to a C4 property (“house in multiple occupation”) without the requirement to first obtain planning permission within the following Wards: Cheylesmore, Earlsdon, Foleshill, Lower Stoke, Radford, St. Michael's, Sherbourne, Wainbody, Whoberley, Westwood and Upper Stoke.
Any person wishing to convert a residential house into a HMO within the affected Wards will first need to obtain planning permission for a change of use, even if the HMO will have fewer than seven tenants. Properties that were already lawfully used as HMOs with fewer than seven tenants before 30 September 2023 will not need to make a planning application. However, if such a property ceases to be used as an HMO (for example, if it is rented to a single family) a change of use planning application will need to be made to bring the property back into use as an HMO.
The Article 4 Direction has no bearing on existing or future HMO licences issued under Housing legislation.
If you have any further queries concerning the Article 4 Direction, please email planning@coventry.gov.uk
We want to work with you to improve housing in the city. If you want to get in touch with any questions please, contact the team:
Email: hmo@coventry.gov.uk
Telephone: 024 7697 5467
|
