A house in multiple occupation can raise separate planning, housing and licensing questions. In Hounslow, landlords should check all three before converting a family home or changing how it is occupied. The council confirmed an Article 4 Direction covering changes from a dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a small HMO (Use Class C4). It came into force on 4 September 2023. The council’s map and exclusions matter, so do not assume that every address has the same position.
What the direction changes
An Article 4 Direction removes a permitted development right for the specified change of use. It does not ban HMOs, and it does not prevent an owner from applying for planning permission. Instead, a proposed C3-to-C4 change within the direction’s area must go through the planning process. The council assesses an application against its planning policies and the facts of the property and location.
Before relying on an existing use or starting a conversion, check the property against Hounslow’s official Article 4 map and planning records. If you believe the home already has lawful HMO use, gather evidence of the use and dates. Do not assume a past letting, a licence or a previous owner’s description proves planning status. Ask the council’s planning service if the position is unclear.
Planning and licensing are different
Planning permission controls land use and development. HMO licensing is a separate housing-safety regime. Hounslow says a licence is required to own or manage an HMO in the borough, while the type of licence and any exemptions depend on the current scheme and property. A planning approval does not itself provide a licence, and a licence does not automatically settle planning permission. Check the council’s current licensing guidance as well as the planning map.
A practical pre-conversion checklist
1. Confirm the proposed occupancy and whether the change would be from a C3 dwelling to a C4 small HMO. 2. Check the council’s Article 4 map, the exact boundary and any relevant planning history. 3. Ask the planning team whether an application or evidence of an established lawful use is needed. 4. Review Hounslow’s current HMO licensing requirements, safety standards and application documents separately. 5. Keep written decisions, plans, certificates and correspondence with the property file.
The 2023 direction is specific to Hounslow and its mapped area. Other councils have different directions and dates. This article is general information, not planning or legal advice; verify the current position with the relevant local authority before committing to works or occupation.
Sources: London Borough of Hounslow, Article 4 Directions: https://www.hounslow.gov.uk/planning-policy/article-4-directions and HMO licensing: https://www.hounslow.gov.uk/applyhmo; GOV.UK, When is permission required?: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/when-is-permission-required