Gloucester City Council: Article 4 Direction for HMOs

What is the Gloucester Article 4 direction?

Gloucester City Council is currently consulting on a proposed Article 4 direction for houses in multiple occupation. If approved, planning permission will be required for conversions from Class C3 (dwellinghouses) to Class C4 (small HMOs) in Kingsholm and Wotton, Westgate, Barton and Tredworth, Moreland, Kingsway, Elmbridge - removing the 'permitted development' right that currently allows this change.

Wards and areas covered

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

• Kingsholm and Wotton
• Westgate
• Barton and Tredworth
• Moreland
• Kingsway
• Elmbridge

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 Gloucester's published map before assuming permission isn't required.

If you're considering acquiring or converting a property in Gloucester, 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.