Thanet District Council: Article 4 Direction for HMOs

What is the Thanet Article 4 direction?

Thanet District Council has a district-wide Article 4 direction in force for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). This means that across the South East of England, anyone wishing to change a dwellinghouse (Class C3) into a small HMO (Class C4, 3-6 unrelated occupants) must apply for planning permission - the 'permitted development' right that normally allows this change has been removed.

Wards and areas covered

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

• Margate
• Broadstairs
• Ramsgate

What this means for HMO investors

Because the Article 4 direction is borough/city-wide, every residential property in Thanet's area is affected. Investors planning to acquire and convert family homes into HMOs in this area should budget time and cost for a full planning application, even for properties that would otherwise qualify as small HMOs under permitted development.

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