NRLA launches new Article 4 toolkit

A new toolkit to help landlords understand and respond to local Article 4 direction proposals has been launched exclusively for NRLA members.

The Article 4 toolkit follows on from the release of the NRLA’s licensing toolkit in the Autumn.

Article 4 Directives allow local authorities to restrict permitted developments in a designated area.

They are often used by councils to control the number of homes being converted into HMOs in places where there is already a high concentration of that type of accommodation.

In areas where a direction is in place, landlords need to apply for planning permission to convert a dwelling into a HMO.

It is estimated there are currently around 80 Article 4 directions in place across England, which can be seen on the interactive map below.

The new toolkit will help members understand the law around Article 4 and offer practical advice on responding to local consultations.

Current Article 4 consultations

Cheshire East: Article 4 (Closes 11 January 2021)

Cheshire East is currently consulting on plans that would make it a requirement for some landlords in Crewe to apply for planning permission to be able to convert a dwelling into a house of multiple occupation (HMO). 

The deadline for the consultation was extended due to the coronavirus, and it has now been extended until 11th January. More on the plans and details of how to respond to the consultation can be read online here.

Liverpool (closes 19th February 2021)

Liverpool City Council is currently consulting on plans to introduce an Article 4 direction, which would cover a number of council wards including Anfield, Central, Greenbank, Kensington and Fairfield, Picton, Princess Park, Riverside, Tuebrook and Stoneycroft and Wavertree Wards and parts of Kirkdale and Church Wards. To have your say in this consultation, click here. 

To learn more about the local authorities that are currently consulting on Article 4 directions, read our latest licensing blog.