How many Article 4 directions are there in Southampton?

Southampton 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 Southampton?

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 Southampton council.

Southampton · Article 4

Article 4 Directions in Southampton

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 Southampton 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) — Southampton HMO since 2012

Removes permitted development rights for change of use from C3 to C4 (small HMO) in designated wards of Southampton. Verify with Southampton City Council.

The HMO angle in Southampton

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