In October 2010, the Government amended legislation to allow changes of use from single dwellings (Class C3) to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) (Class C4) to take place without the need for planning permission.
Where further control over such conversions is considered necessary, local authorities can make directions that specify an area or areas in which permitted development rights are withdrawn and planning permission will be required for the proposed change of use.
In February 2012, Preston City Council confirmed an Article 4(1) Direction following public consultation on the grounds that a high concentration of HMO's could lead to issues relating to parking, noise and disturbance and impacts on amenity which can cause concern to local communities.
The areas covered by the Article 4(1) Direction include certain properties within the wards of;
These certain properties within the above wards have the following characteristics:
The definition of an HMO is taken from the Housing Act 2004. Section 254 refers to an entire house or flat which is occupied by two or more residents who form two or more households who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet.
It does not include self-contained flats where none of the facilities are shared.
The definition of a single household is drawn from section 258 of the Housing Act and includes:
A house or a HMO occupied by more than six residents is sui generis (uses on their own not covered by any use class) unless all the seven or more persons form a single household.
Large blocks of student accommodation are therefore sui generis.
A change of use to a sui generis class has always required planning permission and is therefore not included in the Article 4(1) Direction.
The Article 4(1) Direction relating to House of Multiple Occupation (Class C4) has been in place now since February 2012 and the Preston City Council seek to review the Direction to ascertain whether it should be extended, reduced, deleted or retained in its current format.
This review seeks the views of local residents and stakeholders to ascertain the necessity and effectiveness of the Article 4(1) Direction, which will be taken into consideration.
You can view a copy of the following documents
Article 4(1) Direction [83.15KB]
designated area map 1 of 2 [1.63MB]
designated area map 2 of 2 [1.65MB]
Defined City Centre boundary map [1.69MB]You can also view the Article 4(1) Direction and area maps by visiting the Preston Town Hall.
We encourage residents and stakeholders living in the areas covered by the Article 4 (1) Direction and any other interested parties to complete our online form.
Make comment on the Article 4(1) Direction
If you wish to respond to us in writing you can also do so by sending your feedback to:
Article 4(1) Direction Consultation, Planning Department, Preston City Council, Town Hall, Lancaster Road, Preston, PR1 2RL.
The review of the Article 4(1) Direction take place between Tuesday 3 March 2020 to Monday 13 April 2020.
Please contact the Planning Department by emailing devcon@preston.gov.uk if you have any questions on the consultation.
The General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) means we need your consent to keep your email address and continue to consult with you.
To carry on receiving updates on the Article 4(1) Direction review you will need to inform us by updating your preferences.
Share this page
