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HMO restricted in defined areas

Article 4 HMO check — Southwark

London Borough of Southwark has published 480 Article 4 Direction areas to planning.data.gov.uk, 2 of which remove the C3 → C4 small-HMO right and 478 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 Southwark

Strictness
HMO restricted
HMO areas
2
Rights removed
2

Why this tier: 2 HMO directions (C3→C4 right removed).

  • 3LChange of use: dwellinghouse (C3) to small HMO (C4) — up to 6 unrelated occupiers · 2 areas
  • NONE GIVENSchedule 2 Part ? Class NONE GIVEN · 480 areas

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 London Borough of Southwark

  • Houses in multiple occupation: Bywater Place, SE16
    In-force date not stated
  • Houses in multiple occupation: Henshaw Street, SE17
    In-force date not stated

Plus 478 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 Southwark?

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4 Direction areas, yes: the permitted development right to change a house (C3) into a small HMO (C4, 3–6 occupiers) is withdrawn and a full planning application is required.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

Across the 480 published areas: Change of use: dwellinghouse (C3) to small HMO (C4) — up to 6 unrelated occupiers (2 areas); Schedule 2 Part ? Class NONE GIVEN (480 areas).

How many Article 4 Directions has London Borough of Southwark published?

480 Article 4 areas are currently published on planning.data.gov.uk, of which 2 are HMO-related (C3→C4). 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 London Borough of Southwark publishes to planning.data.gov.uk. Always confirm with the council's planning department before committing money.

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