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Consultation has concluded
On 22 September 2025 Oldham Council decided to consult on the introduction of a boroughwide non-immediate Article 4 Direction. This would remove 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).
Article 4 Direction Background (evidence) Document
These are also available to view at Oldham Council, Customer Service Centre, Civic Entrance, West Street, Oldham, OL1 1UT, and at the borough’s libraries (for opening times please visit Oldham Libraries).
The Council is seeking comments on this Article 4 Direction from 6 October until 11:59pm on 16 November 2025.
If confirmed, the Article 4 Direction will come into effect on 1 January 2026 (or a later date, if considered appropriate). This means that such conversions will no longer be permitted development and will require planning permission from that date.
Please note, this Article 4 Direction does not affect:
conversions of dwellings to HMOs for seven or more residents (large HMOs), or
new build HMOs or those created from other types of conversions (not from dwellinghouses).
The introduction of an Article 4 Direction does not mean a planning application for a small HMO would be automatically refused. It ensures each proposal is properly considered in relation to community impact and local amenity.
On 22 September 2025 Oldham Council decided to consult on the introduction of a boroughwide non-immediate Article 4 Direction. This would remove 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).
Article 4 Direction Background (evidence) Document
These are also available to view at Oldham Council, Customer Service Centre, Civic Entrance, West Street, Oldham, OL1 1UT, and at the borough’s libraries (for opening times please visit Oldham Libraries).
The Council is seeking comments on this Article 4 Direction from 6 October until 11:59pm on 16 November 2025.
If confirmed, the Article 4 Direction will come into effect on 1 January 2026 (or a later date, if considered appropriate). This means that such conversions will no longer be permitted development and will require planning permission from that date.
Please note, this Article 4 Direction does not affect:
conversions of dwellings to HMOs for seven or more residents (large HMOs), or
new build HMOs or those created from other types of conversions (not from dwellinghouses).
The introduction of an Article 4 Direction does not mean a planning application for a small HMO would be automatically refused. It ensures each proposal is properly considered in relation to community impact and local amenity.
