Article 4 by council › North Devon
HMO Article 4 in North Devon
Do you need planning permission to turn a family home into a small HMO in North Devon? What the council's own direction says, with dates, the map and the source.
No. North Devon had no HMO Article 4 direction in force when checked.
A small HMO of 3 to 6 people is permitted development in North Devon, subject to HMO licensing. Checked 28 September 2026.
Council FOI disclosure log (December 2025, FOI 10995 and 10990): asked whether it has any Article 4 directions for HMOs (C3 to C4) the council answered 'No', and 'The Council does not have any Article 4 HMO Directions or Short-Term Let Schemes or Restrictions in force or under consult'. The council HMO information page makes no mention of an Article 4 direction.
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: North Devon council, planning.data.gov.uk Article 4 direction areas, gov.uk HMO licensing. Indicative; confirm with the council before you offer.