Warrington – Changes to HMO Planning Rules Proposed

WARRINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL

STATUTORY CONSULTATION NOTICE

TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING

(GENERAL PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT) (ENGLAND)

ORDER 2015 (AS AMENDED)

NOTICE OF A WITHOUT IMMEDIATE EFFECT ARTICLE 4

DIRECTION MADE UNDER ARTICLE 4 (1)

OF THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT

(GENERAL PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT) (ENGLAND)

ORDER 2015 (AS AMENDED)

NOTICE is hereby given that Warrington Borough Council (the Council) pursuant to a decision of Cabinet under delegated powers on the 8th of September 2025, made a without immediate effect Article 4 Direction on the 24th of September 2025, under Article 4(1) of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) (“the Order”).

The Direction relates to the change of use of a building from a use falling within Class C3 (dwellinghouses) of part 3 of the Schedule to the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended) to a use falling within Class C4 (house in multiple occupation) of part 3 of that Schedule and removes permitted development rights for this type of development.

The Direction shall come into force, if confirmed, on the 25th of September 2026.

From this date onwards, the change of use of a dwellinghouse (C3) to a house in multiple occupation (C4) shall not be carried out unless planning permission is first granted for this change of use.

The Article 4 Direction applies to the Central Six Wards of the Borough consisting of Orford, Poplars and Hulme, Fairfield and Howley, Latchford East, Latchford West and Bewsey and Whitecross.

A copy of the Direction, the map defining the geographical area covered, the background and evidence justification document and instructions are available to view during normal office hours at 1 Time Square, Warrington, WA1 2NT. They can also be viewed electronically at: https://www.warrington.gov.uk/article4-hmo

Prior to the Article 4 Direction being confirmed, a 6-week consultation period will run from Wednesday 24th of September 2025 until Wednesday 5th of November 2025. During this time, please email your comments to localplan@warrington.gov.uk using ‘HMO consultation’ as the subject line.

Alternatively, written comments can be sent to: Warrington Borough Council, Planning Policy and Programmes (HMO Consultation), East Annexe, Town Hall, Sankey Street, Warrington, WA1 1UH.

All written and email representations received during this consultation will be taken into account by the Council when considering whether to confirm the Direction.

Michael Bell, Planning Policy & Programmes Manager

24th of September 2025