Potential for HMO Planning permission in Northampton conservation and article 4 area
Property Investment

Northampton investor
Northampton investor
0 Thanks
2 Posts
9 years ago
0
I have recently purchased a three bedroom Victorian terraced property in Northampton. I initially applied for a Buy to Let mortgage on it but was turned down because it is not lettable in it’s current condition, (kitchen not usable) but also - 'is on a busy road with no parking and no garden'. The kitchen and bathroom take up all available space right to the back fence and there is just a very small terrace area to one side.
I applied for bridge funding in the end as I had exchanged with a non returnable 10% deposit.
The property has been empty for a while and needs at least £20,000 or so to be spent on it to bring it up to a decent standard to let or even to be habitable.
It would in my opinion be simple to do a bit more work and turn it into a four bedroom house and make an ideal HMO for students or young professionals, being close to the new university campus, and hospital, as well as having great shops, bars etc close by. Accommodation is over 3 floors as one of the bedrooms is a loft conversion. There is also a cellar that could be lined and used for storage. The house has had central heating and replacement double glazing put in in the past on some sort of grant but that is about the only modernisation.
It is in an article 4 and conservation area – and I’d need full planning permission for change of use from a single family dwelling to class C4 HMO.
I’m aware that there is a consultation happening in Northampton between now and October on the future of HMOs and that I will need to look into how many other properties there are that are HMOs close by – and do a lot of other research to make my case but I’m wondering if anyone here has recent experience in the area or any useful surveyor, planning office or other local contacts that might help me do this in the right, most efficient and fastest way?
Or is it so unlikely to succeed that I should just do a straightforward family let?

Please Login

You must be logged in to participate in our forums, to continue please login below.

Not a member? From only £99 you can join in the discussion and get access to member's only resources and services.

As the home for landlords, the NRLA are here to help you save time, save money, and stay compliant. NRLA membership gives you access to a vast range of expertise, resources, and exclusive member benefits and savings, designed to help and empower members. We also play a pivotal role in campaigning and championing the interests of landlords.