Article 4 by council › Chorley
HMO Article 4 in Chorley
Do you need planning permission to turn a family home into a small HMO in Chorley? What the council's own direction says, with dates, the map and the source.
Yes. The whole of Chorley is covered by an HMO Article 4 direction.
whole district In force since 24 September 2025. Converting a family home (use class C3) to a small HMO of 3 to 6 people (class C4) needs full planning permission anywhere in Chorley.
Council news of 24 September 2025: an immediate Article 4 direction removing permitted development to convert dwellinghouses to small HMOs came into force from 24 September 2025 and applies to all areas of Chorley. The planning policy page says it was confirmed by Executive Member decision on 24 February 2026 following Council on 27 January 2026, with the signed direction, map and notice of confirmation published 4 March 2026.
Check an exact postcode
A direction can cover part of a council, and the national dataset is incomplete. This asks the planning data service for the exact point and falls back to the council's own statement.
What an Article 4 direction means
HMO Article 4 directions remove the permitted-development right to convert a family home (C3) to a small HMO (C4, 3 to 6 people). Inside one, that conversion needs full planning permission. Councils may also run additional licensing (smaller HMOs) or selective licensing (all private rentals) in designated areas. Planning permission and licensing are separate: a licence does not grant planning permission, and permission does not remove the need for a licence.
Sources: Chorley council, planning.data.gov.uk Article 4 direction areas, gov.uk HMO licensing. Indicative; confirm with the council before you offer.