Warrington Borough Council: Article 4 Direction for HMOs

What is the Warrington Article 4 direction?

Warrington Borough Council has made an Article 4 direction for houses in multiple occupation, taking effect on 25 September 2026. The direction will apply to Orford, Poplars and Hulme, Fairfield and Howley, Latchford East, Latchford West, Bewsey and Whitecross, where conversion from a dwellinghouse to a small HMO will require planning permission.

Wards and areas covered

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

• Orford
• Poplars and Hulme
• Fairfield and Howley
• Latchford East
• Latchford West
• Bewsey and Whitecross

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

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