On 9th February 2011 Leeds City Council made an Article 4 Direction relating to houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). The introduction of the Article 4 Direction was confirmed on the 25th August 2011.
The Article 4 Direction, came into force on 10th February 2012, and removes permitted development rights for change of use from a Class C3 (dwelling house) to a Class C4 (house in multiple occupation) within the defined area.
Notice of the making of the Article 4 Direction was served on 10th February 2011. Notice of the confirmation of the Article 4 Direction was served on 2nd September 2011.
Background
National planning policy guidance (PPS1 and PPS3) provide the context for local planning policy to ensure that sustainable communities are developed to avoid situations where existing communities become imbalanced by the narrowing of household types towards the domination by a particular type, such as houses in multiple occupation.
It is recognised that HMOs can provide an affordable type of housing and contribute to the overall mix of housing types and tenures available. However it is also recognised that high concentrations of HMOs can result in numerous harmful impacts including:
- Anti-social behaviour, noise and nuisance
- Imbalanced and unsustainable communities
- Negative impacts on the physical environment and streetscape
- Pressures upon parking provision
- Increased crime
- Growth in private sector at the expenses of owner-occupation
- Pressure upon local community facilities and
- Restructuring of retail, commercial services and recreational facilities to suit the lifestyles of the predominant population
Consultation
The Article 4 Direction area will manage the existing problem areas and those areas which are predicted to either experience growth of HMOs in the near future, or which are likely to suffer from a displacement of HMO demand from the areas currently experiencing significant problems.
The Direction will apply across part or the whole of the following wards: Adel & Wharfedale, Armley, Beeston Hill & Holbeck, Bramley & Stanningley, Burmantofts & Richmond Hill, Chapel Allerton, City & Hunslet, Gipton & Harehills, Headingley, Horsforth, Hyde Park and Woodhouse, Kirkstall, Moortown, Roundhay and Weetwood.
A six week public consultation exercise was held in February and March 2011. 97 responses were received from interested parties.
The following documents are available to download on the right hand side.
- The Article 4 Direction The delegated report to the chief planning officer to request the Article 4 Direction be confirmed
- The statutory notice for the confirmation of the Direction
- A copy of the Site Notice to confirm the Direction
- The delegated report to the chief planning officer to request the Article 4 Direction be made
- Article 4 Direction Area Plan
- Article 4 Direction Area Ward Plan
- The statutory notice for the making of the Direction
- A copy of the Site Notice to make the Direction
- A list of the locations of the site notice
- FAQs