A new Article 4 Direction comes into force in Croydon Borough starting from 8th January 2020. That means that if landlords want to convert a house into a small HMO (up to 6 people) he will require planning permission for that.
That can mean that all types of newly created HMOs in Croydon must have the grant of planning permission. Therefore, the Council can consider a whole range of matters when determining planning applications.
The reason for these changes is a concern for the shortage of family homes in the borough over the past 10 years and people’s failure to access affordable homeownership.
HMO Planning is the formal permission from a local authority or council, for the erection or alteration of buildings or similar development, for the use class HMO, C4 (Small HMO) or Sui Generis HMO (Large HMO)… read more
The council doesn’t want people to stop converting HMOs, this action was taking just because of a big amount of HMOs in some small areas.
Article 4 Direction will also help to make sure there is a good quality housing for Croydon families to live in, as well as giving tenants moving into newly converted HMOs reassurance around basic rights, such as space requirements.
If you are looking to acquire a new property or convert one of your existing properties to HMO, please contact Croydon Council.