Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
On 29 May 2026, two Article 4(1) Directions were made to withdraw permitted development rights for changing homes to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) for 3-6 people within the Worksop Central Area and Reford Station Area. If the direction is confirmed, Planning Permission would be required to change a house to a House in Multiple Occupation. A map of each affected area is shown below.
A copy of each Direction can be viewed at:
- Bassetlaw District Council, Queens Buildings, Potter Street, Worksop, S80 2AH
- On the Council’s website
What is a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO)?
An HMO is a property rented out by at least three people who are not from one ‘household’ (e.g. a family) but share facilities like a toilet, bathroom and kitchen.
Is planning permission required to develop a House in Multiple Occupation?
Planning permission is not required to change a dwelling house (in use class C3) to a small HMO (use class C4) of 3 – 6 unrelated residents. But planning permission is required to change a dwelling house (in use class C3) to a large HMO (Sui Generis) for more than 6 unrelated people.
Planning use classes are set out in the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended):
- Use Class C3 (Dwelling Houses) - include self contained houses or flats occupied by a single person, a couple or a family.
- Use Class C4 (Small HMOs) - include self contained houses and flats shared by between 3 and 6 unrelated people as a "house in multiple occupation".
Large HMOs for more than 6 people are identified as Sui Generis. This means they are in a class of their own.
What are the aims of the Article 4(1) Directions?
By introducing two Article 4 Directions we aim to:
- Protect the housing mix and number of larger, family size properties in the affected area;
- Protect the residential amenity of residents living within a dwelling and within an HMO
- Protect the character and historic architectural features the affected area.
What types of houses does the Article 4(1) Direction aim to protect?
The Article 4(1) Direction aims to protect the number of larger properties in each Article 4 area so that all residents are able to live close to local shops, services and transport hubs. The conversion of larger properties to smaller units means that there are less properties available for those people looking for a larger home, such as families. The change of these properties can also affect the character of the neighbourhood, and have a negative impact on residents amenity.
What would be controlled?
The Article 4(1) Direction would mean the change of use of a dwelling to a small house in multiple occupation would require planning permission.
The Article 4 Direction would not apply to change of use from an HMO in use class C4 to a Sui Generis HMO or for the intensification or enlargement of an existing Sui Generis HMO. This is because the proposal will not result in a net increase in the number of HMOs within the defined area.
Sui Generis HMOs are not affected by the Article 4(1) Direction because these types of HMO already require planning permission.
Does the Article 4(1) Direction mean that existing houses in multiple occupation need planning permission?
No. The Article 4(1) Direction would only affect new proposals that start after the Article 4 Direction has been confirmed.
What would be required of new development covered by the Article 4(1) Direction?
Should the Article 4(1) Direction be confirmed, the Council will use a 2 step approach to assess an application. Proposals must pass both steps:
Percentage threshold: the percentage of HMOs within a 100m radius of the proposal will be restricted to 5%: The 100m buffer crosses and bisects roads and also goes around street corners (see diagram below):
Clustering: clusters of HMOs will not be able to form on a street. Proposals that result in three adjacent HMOs, or a dwelling house being flanked on both sides by HMOs would not be supported. 
What will happen to the Worksop Central 2020 Article 4 Direction?
An Article 4 Direction was confirmed for Worksop Central in June 2020 to manage HMOs. If the new Article 4 Direction is confirmed, the 2020 Direction would need to be cancelled. Until that happens the 2020 Article 4 Direction remains in operation.
Will licenses still be required for an HMO?
HMO’s that meet a prescribed description from the Secretary of State (see legislation.gov.uk) are required to have an HMO licence. An HMO is likely to be licensable if all of the following apply:
- At least five people live there forming more than one household
- It is an HMO
It is an offence to own or manage an HMO that is required to be licensed without a license. The licence process is separate to the planning system so the Council would expect all relevant HMOs to have a licence.
Last Updated on Tuesday, June 2, 2026