Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) consultation: Article 4 Direction

This consultation is closed. The consultation took place from 30 September to 11 November 2024. 

The representation made during the consultation period were used by the Cabinet members to determine the confirmation of the Direction. 

Background

The number of houses in multiple occupation in Walsall is increasing. They have not been regulated or managed effectively. HMOs can play an important role in meeting housing needs and providing affordable accommodation. However, they can make places less attractive or enjoyable to live in due to waste management, parking issues, and noise concerns.

Overview of the proposal

We proposed to apply for more control over HMOs within the borough through an Article 4 Direction. 

An Article 4 Direction is a planning tool used by local authorities to restrict certain permitted development rights - in this case smaller HMOs. The direction will remove the permitted development right to convert a house into a smaller HMO. Under the direction a planning permission is needed to do this. 

Find out more about legislation for Article 4 Direction.

Result of the consultation

This proposal to confirm the implementation of the Article 4 Direction was approved at June Cabinet 2025. 

As a result, a borough-wide Article 4 Direction will be implemented on 1 October 2025. Anyone intending to develop a HMO in the borough will need to obtain a planning permission, alongside the necessary licencing regime. 

What the changes will mean from 1 October 2025

Anyone wishing to develop an HMO in Walsall will need to use the planning application process to obtain a planning permission. 

Find out more about the planning application process and associated fees and charges.

The direction replaces the permitted development right to create a HMO with the need to obtain planning permission.

We will be in a better position to manage the impact of HMOs on the local community and HMO residents. People living in HMOs could see high standards of living. People living near HMOs could enjoy benefits such as improvements to congestion, better parking or effective management of waste in the area.  

This supports Our Council Plan objectives for economy, people, children and communities to:  

• deliver good quality housing
• increase living standards
• continue economic growth
• provide a range of homes in the borough to promote an inclusive community. 

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