Article 4 Direction HMO

As from 4 February 2012, property owners are required to apply to Thanet District Council for planning permission to convert a house into an HMO for three to six unrelated people. Large HMOs, with more than six people sharing a property, already need planning permission.

The council has introduced this measure as it is concerned about the number of HMOs already in Thanet and wants to create a more mixed community, with the emphasis on family homes.

Introducing these powers does not mean a blanket ban on HMOs in Thanet, but means that, before any property is converted into an HMO, planning permission is first required. There is no fee for this type of application.

• Article 4 Direction (Doc, 27KB) 
• A map of the area covered (PDF, 2.2MB)

These proposals do not affect the licensing of HMOs.