Croydon is set to introduce Article 4 to control the supply of HMOs in the area
Article 4 is a restriction that means any HMO between 3 and 6 bedrooms must first receive planning permission for its use.
Under current nationwide rules, it is permitted development rights to convert a house into an HMO of between 3 and 6 bedrooms, unless the location authority has introduced article 4 restrictions.
Over the past 10 years Croydon Council have become concerned that the number of larger properties that are idea for family homes have been converted into HMOs.
Alison Butler, deputy leader and cabinet member for homes and gateway services, said: “For some time we have been concerned by the rapid decline in multi-bedroom homes in the borough, particularly given the acute housing need and people’s inability to access affordable home ownership.
“It is clear it is becoming more and more important to protect family homes in Croydon. While we recognise the need for HMOs, we can already see that in some parts of the borough there are just too many HMOs in a small area for the local infrastructure to cope.
“This Article 4 Direction will enable us to ensure we have a supply of decent housing for Croydon families to live in, as well as giving our residents moving into newly converted HMOs reassurance around basic rights, such as space requirements.”
A consultation period was held on the proposals until the 8th March 2019, and Article 4 is expected to be introduced in January 2020.
