House in Multiple Occupation Article 4 Direction
On the 22 September 2025 Oldham Council decided to consult on the introduction of a boroughwide non-immediate Article 4 Direction removing the permitted development right to convert a dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) (Use Class C4) for up to six residents (small HMO).
Public consultation was held between 6 October 2025 and 16 November 2025.
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 came into effect on 1 January 2026. This means that such conversions are no longer permitted development in the borough of OIdham and require planning permission.
You can view the Article 4 Direction Notice, the Sealed Article 4 Direction, and the Background (evidence) Document below:
Article 4 Direction Public Notice
Article 4 Direction Sealed Document
Article 4 Direction 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.