Leicester city council's
Article 4 Direction Explained
We are often asked what Article 4 is, what it means and how it impacts a landlord and their rental property. We have put together this guide to explain what Article 4 is, the areas covered at present
An article 4 direction is made by the local planning authority. It restricts the scope of permitted development rights either in relation to a particular area or site, or a particular type of development anywhere in the authority’s area. Where an article 4 direction is in effect, a planning application may be required for development that would otherwise have been permitted development. Article 4 directions are used to control works that could threaten the character of an area of acknowledged importance, such as a conservation area.
HOUSE OF MULTIPLE OCCUPANCY (HMO)
A property is an HMO if at least three tenants are in residence, they form separate households (i.e. not a family or flat sharers), and they share a bathroom, kitchen, and/or toilet facilities. A large HMO is where at least five tenants share the property and facilities.
Article 4 Directors (A4D)
Many areas are subject to Article 4 directions. This basically means you can’t convert a property into an HMO without applying for planning permission.
- PLANNING CLASSES
C1 – Hotels and Hostels
Class C1 is use as a hotel, boarding or guest house or as a hostel where, in each case, no significant element of care is provided.
C2 – Residential Institutions
Class C2 is use as provision of residential accommodation and care to people in need of care (other than a use within class C3 - dwelling houses). * a hospital or nursing home * a residential school, college or training centre
C2A – Secure Residential Institutions
Class C2A is use as: Prison, Young Offenders Institution, Detention Centre, Secure training centre, custody centre, short-term holding centre, secure hospital, secure local authority accommodation, military barracks
C3 – Houses, Flats, Apartments
Class C3 is use as a dwelling house (whether or not as a sole or main residence) * by a single person or by people living together as a family, or * by not more than 6 residents living together as a single household (including a household where care is provided for residents)
C4 – HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation)
Class C4 is use as for small shared dwelling houses occupied by between 3-6 unrelated individuals, as their only or main residence, who share basic amenities such as a kitchen or bathroom.
Boundary & Article 4 Areas
The Local Authority ran a consultation between 18th November 2021 and 13th January 2022 on the proposed changes to the Article 4 areas.
Having received confirmation from the planning department at Leicester City Council, the proposed new areas will be included within the Article 4 designated areas from 24th November 2022.
It is estimated that a total of 9,649 properties will be affected by Article 4 across the Leicester City area, representing 6.8% of the total housing stock for the area.
Affected Areas
Knightsbridge Estate Agents & Valuers – Company Number: 03895928
Knightsbridge Professional Lettings – Company Number: 09983885
Registered Address: 72 Queens Road | Clarendon Park | Leicester | LE2 1TU