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HMO restricted in defined areas

Article 4 HMO check — Salford

Salford City Council has published 3 Article 4 Direction areas to planning.data.gov.uk, 2 of which remove the C3 → C4 small-HMO right and 1 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 Salford

Strictness
HMO restricted
HMO areas
2
Rights removed
8

Why this tier: 2 HMO directions (C3→C4 right removed) · 7 householder rights also removed (extensions, roofs, exterior).

  • 3LChange of use: dwellinghouse (C3) to small HMO (C4) — up to 6 unrelated occupiers · 2 areas
  • 1AEnlargement, improvement or alteration of a dwellinghouse (extensions) · 1 area
  • 1BAdditions or alterations to the roof (roof extensions, dormers) · 1 area
  • 1COther alterations to the roof (rooflights) · 1 area
  • 1DPorches · 1 area
  • 1FHard surfaces within the curtilage (driveways) · 1 area
  • 2AGates, fences, walls or other means of enclosure · 1 area
  • 2BMeans of access to a highway · 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 Salford City Council

  • 2018 HMO Article 4 Direction
    In force 2018-11-25
  • 2024 HMO Article 4 Direction
    In force 2024-11-17

Plus 1 non-HMO Article 4 area (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 Salford?

If the property sits inside one of Salford City Council's 2 HMO Article 4 Direction areas, yes: the permitted development right to change a house (C3) into a small HMO (C4, 3–6 occupiers) is withdrawn and a full planning application is required.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 Salford's Article 4 areas?

Across the 3 published areas: Change of use: dwellinghouse (C3) to small HMO (C4) — up to 6 unrelated occupiers (2 areas); Enlargement, improvement or alteration of a dwellinghouse (extensions) (1 area); Additions or alterations to the roof (roof extensions, dormers) (1 area); Other alterations to the roof (rooflights) (1 area); Porches (1 area); Hard surfaces within the curtilage (driveways) (1 area); Gates, fences, walls or other means of enclosure (1 area); Means of access to a highway (1 area).

How many Article 4 Directions has Salford City Council published?

3 Article 4 areas are currently published on planning.data.gov.uk, of which 2 are HMO-related (C3→C4); the most recent HMO direction came into force 2024-11-17. 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 Salford City Council publishes to planning.data.gov.uk. Always confirm with the council's planning department before committing money.

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