How many Article 4 directions are there in Guildford?

Guildford has 1 active Article 4 direction in our records, of which 1 is HMO-related. Coverage varies — verify with the council before relying on this.

Does an Article 4 direction stop me creating an HMO in Guildford?

Where an HMO-related Article 4 direction applies, the permitted development right to change a home (use class C3) to a small HMO (C4) is removed, so a full planning application is required for that change within the designated area. Whether your property falls inside a direction must be checked with Guildford council.

Guildford · Article 4

Article 4 Directions in Guildford

1 active direction in our records · 1 HMO-related

An Article 4 direction removes specified permitted development rights in a defined area, so that changes which would normally be automatic instead need a full planning application. For HMOs this usually means removing the right to convert a home (use class C3) to a small HMO (C4). The directions below for Guildford are sourced from planning.data.gov.uk; coverage varies by council, so always verify with the local planning authority before relying on it.

HMO-related Article 4 directions

Article 4 (HMO) — Guildford HMO since 2016

Removes permitted development rights for change of use from C3 to C4 (small HMO) in parts of Guildford (notably around the university campus). Verify with Guildford Borough Council.

The HMO angle in Guildford

Article 4 is only half the HMO picture — a scheme can be permitted-development-free and still need a licence. See HMO licensing in Guildford for the mandatory licence threshold, any additional or selective schemes in our records, and the statutory minimum room sizes, or the full Guildford planning profile.