How many Article 4 directions are there in Reading?

Reading 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 Reading?

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 Reading council.

Reading · Article 4

Article 4 Directions in Reading

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 Reading 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) — Reading HMO since 2014

Removes permitted development rights for change of use from C3 to C4 (small HMO) across designated areas of Reading. Verify with Reading Borough Council.

The HMO angle in Reading

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