VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Permitted Development Rights: Multiple Occupation

Asked by Sir Oliver DowdenConservativeMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 21 April 2026UIN 126627

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what discussions he has had with local planning authorities on efficiently preparing Article 4 directions under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 for houses in multiple occupation.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook

The procedure for Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) to make an Article 4 direction is laid out in Schedule 3 of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015, which is available on gov.uk here.

Additional guidance can be found in the “When is permission required?” Planning Practice Guidance, which is available on gov.uk here.

My Department engages with LPAs in respect of Article 4 directions on an ongoing basis.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim