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Multiple Occupation

Asked by Gareth SnellLabour (Co-op)Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 23 October 2024UIN 9191

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2024 to Question 6378 on Multiple Occupation, what steps her Department is taking to review those rights.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook

National permitted development rights allow a C3 dwellinghouse to change use to a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) with up to 6 occupants (C4) without the need for a planning application.

Local authorities have planning powers to limit any proliferation of HMOs by introducing an ‘Article 4’ direction. There is no need for a local authority to seek permission from the Secretary of State before doing so.

As set out in the response to Question 6378 on 14 October, we will keep permitted development rights under review.

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