Article 4 Direction
On 22 September 2025, Oldham Council decided to introduce a rule (called an Article 4 Direction) that will remove the automatic right to turn a house (C3) into a small shared house, known as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) (C4), for up to six people.
This public consultation, which was held between 6 October 2025 and 16 November 2025, is now closed.
Having taken account of representations received on 15 December 2025 Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council, confirmed with effect from 1 January 2026, the Non-Immediate Article 4(1) Direction made on 22 September 2025 under Article 4(1) of the 2015 Order.
The Article 4 Direction will come into effect on 1 January 2026. This means that such conversions will no longer be permitted development and will require planning permission from that date.
You can view the Article 4 Direction Notice, the Sealed Article 4 Direction, and the Background (evidence) Document
Please note, this Article 4 Direction does not affect conversions of dwellings to HMOs for seven or more residents (large HMO), or for new build HMOs or those created from other changes of use or conversions (that is, those other than from dwellinghouses). These forms of development continue to require planning permission.
The introduction of an Article 4 Direction does not mean a planning application for a small HMO would be automatically refused. It does, however, allow for the proper consideration of the effects of a proposed HMO on an area's amenity and local community, before issuing any planning permission. In doing so, we will be able to influence the quality of the HMO through the planning process.