Bristol City Council: Article 4 Direction for HMOs

What is the Bristol Article 4 direction?

Bristol City Council has made an Article 4 direction for houses in multiple occupation, with an effective date to be confirmed. The direction will apply to Brislington East/West, Easton, Eastville, Frome Vale, Hillfields, Horfield, Knowle, Lockleaze, Southmead, St George West, Westbury-on-Trym, Henleaze, where conversion from a dwellinghouse to a small HMO will require planning permission.

Wards and areas covered

The Bristol Article 4 direction applies to the following wards and areas:

• Brislington East/West
• Easton
• Eastville
• Frome Vale
• Hillfields
• Horfield
• Knowle
• Lockleaze
• Southmead
• St George West
• Westbury-on-Trym
• Henleaze

What this means for HMO investors

Because the Article 4 direction applies to specific wards or zones rather than the whole council area, the planning impact depends on the exact location of the property. Investors should check the precise postcode against Bristol's published map before assuming permission isn't required.

If you're considering acquiring or converting a property in Bristol, factor planning permission into your due-diligence timeline and budget. Refused applications can scupper a deal, and unauthorised conversions risk enforcement action and lender complications.