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HMO restricted in defined areas

Article 4 HMO check — Blackpool

Blackpool Borough Council has published 6 Article 4 Direction areas to planning.data.gov.uk, 1 of which remove the C3 → C4 small-HMO right and 5 cover other permitted development rights. Enter a postcode to see which, if any, contain it.

Free teaser, no sign-up · Try NE2 2AL (Newcastle HMO Article 4) or SW1A 1AA (Westminster, non-HMO direction)

What is prohibited without planning permission in Blackpool

Strictness
HMO restricted
HMO areas
1
Rights removed
29

Why this tier: 1 HMO direction (C3→C4 right removed) · 14 householder rights also removed (extensions, roofs, exterior).

  • 3LChange of use: dwellinghouse (C3) to small HMO (C4) — up to 6 unrelated occupiers · 1 area
  • 11BDemolition of buildings · 3 areas
  • 2CExterior painting · 3 areas
  • 1AEnlargement, improvement or alteration of a dwellinghouse (extensions) · 2 areas
  • 1BAdditions or alterations to the roof (roof extensions, dormers) · 2 areas
  • 1COther alterations to the roof (rooflights) · 2 areas
  • 1DPorches · 2 areas
  • 1EBuildings incidental to the enjoyment of the dwellinghouse (outbuildings, sheds) · 2 areas
  • 1FHard surfaces within the curtilage (driveways) · 2 areas
  • 1GChimneys, flues or soil and vent pipes · 2 areas
  • 2AGates, fences, walls or other means of enclosure · 2 areas
  • 2DElectrical outlets for recharging vehicles · 2 areas
  • 2EElectrical upstands for recharging vehicles · 2 areas
  • 11CDemolition of gates, fences, walls · 1 area
  • 14AInstallation of solar equipment on domestic premises · 1 area
  • 14BInstallation of stand-alone solar equipment on domestic premises · 1 area
  • 14CSchedule 2 Part 14 Class C · 1 area
  • 14DSchedule 2 Part 14 Class D · 1 area
  • 14ESchedule 2 Part 14 Class E · 1 area
  • 14FSchedule 2 Part 14 Class F · 1 area
  • 14GSchedule 2 Part 14 Class G · 1 area
  • 14HSchedule 2 Part 14 Class H · 1 area
  • 14ISchedule 2 Part 14 Class I · 1 area
  • 14KSchedule 2 Part 14 Class K · 1 area
  • 14LSchedule 2 Part 14 Class L · 1 area
  • 1HMicrowave antenna (satellite dishes) · 1 area
  • 2BMeans of access to a highway · 1 area
  • 2FClosed-circuit television cameras · 1 area
  • 4BTemporary use of land (28-day rule) · 1 area

Codes are GPDO 2015 Schedule 2 Part/Class as published by the council. "Removed" means a planning application is required for that work inside the area.

HMO Article 4 Directions published by Blackpool Borough Council

  • Article 4 Direction - C3 to C4 HMO
    In force 2022-10-02

Plus 5 non-HMO Article 4 areas (conservation-area householder rights, commercial changes of use, etc.). A postcode check lists every one that contains the point.

FAQ

Do I need planning permission for an HMO in Blackpool?

If the property sits inside one of Blackpool Borough Council's 1 HMO Article 4 Direction area, yes: the permitted development right to change a house (C3) into a small HMO (C4, 3–6 occupiers) is withdrawn and a full planning application is required. Outside those areas a small HMO is normally permitted development. A large HMO (7+ occupiers) always needs permission. Check the exact postcode above.

What exactly is prohibited without permission in Blackpool's Article 4 areas?

Across the 6 published areas: Change of use: dwellinghouse (C3) to small HMO (C4) — up to 6 unrelated occupiers (1 area); Demolition of buildings (3 areas); Exterior painting (3 areas); Enlargement, improvement or alteration of a dwellinghouse (extensions) (2 areas); Additions or alterations to the roof (roof extensions, dormers) (2 areas); Other alterations to the roof (rooflights) (2 areas); Porches (2 areas); Buildings incidental to the enjoyment of the dwellinghouse (outbuildings, sheds) (2 areas); Hard surfaces within the curtilage (driveways) (2 areas); Chimneys, flues or soil and vent pipes (2 areas); Gates, fences, walls or other means of enclosure (2 areas); Electrical outlets for recharging vehicles (2 areas); Electrical upstands for recharging vehicles (2 areas); Demolition of gates, fences, walls (1 area); Installation of solar equipment on domestic premises (1 area); Installation of stand-alone solar equipment on domestic premises (1 area); Schedule 2 Part 14 Class C (1 area); Schedule 2 Part 14 Class D (1 area); Schedule 2 Part 14 Class E (1 area); Schedule 2 Part 14 Class F (1 area); Schedule 2 Part 14 Class G (1 area); Schedule 2 Part 14 Class H (1 area); Schedule 2 Part 14 Class I (1 area); Schedule 2 Part 14 Class K (1 area); Schedule 2 Part 14 Class L (1 area); Microwave antenna (satellite dishes) (1 area); Means of access to a highway (1 area); Closed-circuit television cameras (1 area); Temporary use of land (28-day rule) (1 area).

How many Article 4 Directions has Blackpool Borough Council published?

6 Article 4 areas are currently published on planning.data.gov.uk, of which 1 is HMO-related (C3→C4); the most recent HMO direction came into force 2022-10-02. Councils can add or amend directions at any time.

What happens if I convert to an HMO inside an Article 4 area without permission?

It is a breach of planning control. The council can serve an enforcement notice requiring the HMO use to stop; ignoring it is a criminal offence with an unlimited fine. Lenders and insurers may also treat it as a breach of their terms.

Is this an official council check?

No. Article4Check UK is an independent private service that reads the open data Blackpool Borough Council publishes to planning.data.gov.uk. Always confirm with the council's planning department before committing money.

Council website: https://www.blackpool.gov.uk · All councils, ranked