Article 4 Directions Spread: Two More Councils Act

[Account Closed]

For UK landlords and investors — particularly those with HMO portfolios or acquisition targets in England.

If you own or are eyeing property for HMO use in Scunthorpe or South Ribble, the planning shortcut is gone. Both councils have introduced Article 4 Directions — planning rules that remove the automatic right to convert a standard family home into a small shared house without a full planning application first.

North Lincolnshire's Direction covering Scunthorpe has been in force since 26 November 2024. South Ribble (Lancashire) introduced its own borough-wide Direction on 28 January 2026 — and is already actively seeking out unlicensed HMOs rather than waiting for complaints.

Neither council is banning HMOs. But the permitted development shortcut — the pre-approved route that previously let you convert without applying for planning permission — no longer exists in either area.

What to do if you're affected:

1. 1. Check your property's status now. If you own or manage anything that is, or could become, a small HMO (three to six unrelated people sharing facilities) in either area, the permitted development right no longer applies to you.
2. 2. Do not start a conversion without planning permission. Beginning work without it is a breach of planning control under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Councils can issue an Enforcement Notice requiring you to reverse the conversion and cease use as an HMO, at your own cost. Failing to comply with an Enforcement Notice is a criminal offence carrying an unlimited fine.
3. 3. In South Ribble, don't wait to be found. The council is proactively identifying unregistered properties. If you're already operating an unlicensed HMO there, act now.
4. 4. Submit comments on South Ribble's Direction before 29 March 2026 at www.southribble.gov.uk/article4-hmo — some council communications reference 26 March, so check the official page directly before submitting.
5. 5. Remember: planning and licensing are separate. You may need both planning permission and an HMO licence. One doesn't cover the other.

One to watch: South Ribble's Direction must be formally confirmed by approximately 28 July 2026 or it expires — monitor their planning notices.

Are there other areas where members have recently hit Article 4 restrictions they weren't expecting?

This is general information only — for advice specific to your situation, always speak to a qualified solicitor or RICS surveyor. 

If this was helpful, consider subscribing to The Letting Compliance Digest for regular plain-English updates like this one.