Article 4 by council › South Ribble
HMO Article 4 in South Ribble
Do you need planning permission to turn a family home into a small HMO in South Ribble? What the council's own direction says, with dates, the map and the source.
Yes. The whole of South Ribble is covered by an HMO Article 4 direction.
whole borough In force since 6 March 2026. Converting a family home (use class C3) to a small HMO of 3 to 6 people (class C4) needs full planning permission anywhere in South Ribble.
Immediate Article 4 direction removing C3 to C4 permitted development across the borough, approved 28 January 2026, introduced with immediate effect on 6 March 2026, consulted 6 to 29 March 2026 and confirmed 16 July 2026. Council says 'a planning application must be submitted for the conversion of a dwelling house to a HMO'. Confirmed area document: https://southribble.gov.uk/downloads/file/1303/confirmed-article-4-direction-area
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: South Ribble council, planning.data.gov.uk Article 4 direction areas, gov.uk HMO licensing. Indicative; confirm with the council before you offer.