As detailed in our last blog post, Plymouth city council introduced an Article 4 direction which came into force on the 12th September 2012. The Article 4 direction removed the permitted development right between a C3 (Residential Dwelling) and C4 (Small HMO between 3-6 rooms).
Any properties used as C4 use class, continued to have permitted development rights. If the property every went back to a C3 class use, then the permitted development right was lost. Planning permission would then be required to revert to C4 class use.
Article 4 direction covered all of Plymouth city centre. The areas affected can be located on a map found on the Plymouth council website. https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/housing/privaterentedaccommodation/housesmultipleoccupationhmo/planningpermissionandhousesmultipleoccupationhmo
When you purchase a new HMO in Plymouth, please ensure that the property either has a certificate of lawful use as C4 class use or enough proof that the property was continuously used as C4 class use since article 4 direction came into force.
If you are unsure, please contact us, and we would be happy to help you.
