The building of a new dwelling, or extensive changes to existing buildings, usually requires planning permission. The system is in place to deter inappropriate development.

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Decisions on whether to grant planning permission are made in line with national guidance (in the form of the National Planning Policy Framework) and the local planning policies set out by the local authority.

Not all types of building projects require planning approval. The need for planning permission depends on various factors, including the type of development, its location, and the specific regulations in place. Here are some general guidelines:

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1. Permitted Development:
   

   • Some minor alterations or extensions to existing buildings fall under “permitted development.” These changes can be made without formal planning permission.

   • Examples include small extensions, loft conversions, and certain changes to the exterior of a building.

   • However, there are limits on the size and scope of permitted development, and it’s essential to check with your local planning authority to ensure compliance.

1. Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas:
   

   • If your property is a listed building or located within a conservation area, additional restrictions apply.

   • Alterations to listed buildings almost always require planning permission.

   • In conservation areas, stricter rules may apply to maintain the character of the surroundings.

1. Change of Use:
   

   • Changing the use of a building (e.g., from residential to commercial) often requires planning permission.

   • For example, converting a house into multiple flats or changing a shop into a restaurant would need approval.

1. New Dwellings and Major Developments:
   

   • Constructing new dwellings (houses or flats) typically requires planning permission.

   • Large-scale developments, such as commercial buildings, industrial facilities, or significant housing developments, also need approval.

1. Other Factors:
   

   • Factors like the size of the development, its impact on neighbours, and environmental considerations play a role.

   • Always consult your local planning authority or a professional architect before proceeding with any significant changes.

The general principle is that a steeper slope (pitch) typically allows for more potential living space. Homes constructed prior to the 1960s are generally easier to convert due to their roofs being made from individual rafters, following the traditional rafter and purlin design.

In contrast, since the 1960s, roofs have predominantly utilized 'trussed rafters,' which are factory-made triangular structures that create a lower pitch and incorporate more struts. Converting these roofs is more complex, often necessitating the rearrangement of timbers or raising the roof itself.

While there are no specific regulations on height, a minimum clearance of 2.3 meters over half the floor area is essential for a conversion to be practical. Existing joists, designed to support ceilings rather than floors, may require the installation of new joists between them, with chipboard sheets affixed to these new joists, which can reduce headroom.

Additionally, a minimum headroom of 2 meters is typically required above the staircase and landing, although local authorities may allow slight deviations from this standard.

If you require any further information on HMO Loft Conversions, please do not hesitate to give Excela Architecture London a call on 020 8064 4098

The HMO Article 4 Direction is a regulation requiring planning permission for converting a property into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).

This article serves as a tool for councils to limit permitted development rights in designated areas. Various types of Article 4 Directions exist, targeting issues such as conservation areas, flood risks, and HMO restrictions.

For landlords and investors, it is crucial to recognize that the HMO Article 4 empowers local authorities to designate areas where HMOs are allowed, outline permissible property modifications, and ultimately decide on conversion applications.

If you are considering an HMO conversion in a region affected by an Article 4 Direction, be prepared to navigate a more complex planning process. Understanding the implications of this legislation, particularly in London’s boroughs, is essential.

Essentially, an Article 4 Direction is an order from a local planning authority that revokes certain permitted development rights for HMO changes, allowing councils to exert greater control over conversions that would typically not require formal planning approval.

The vibrant and varied character of London has led to a notable increase in housing demand.

The city’s distinctive combination of historical and modern environments is constantly adapting to support its expanding population.

A common tactic among property investors is the conversion of single-family homes (use class C3) into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) for three to six unrelated tenants (use class C4).

While this method may seem like a simple and lucrative opportunity that avoids the necessity for planning permission, the introduction of Article 4 Directions aimed at regulating HMOs requires investors in the city to adopt a more cautious and strategic mindset.

If you require any further information on HMO Conversions, please do not hesitate to give Excela Architecture London a call on 020 8064 4098

In Greater London, the application of Article 4 Directions concerning Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) differs across boroughs. This variation is crucial for property investors to grasp, particularly when contemplating the conversion of a property into an HMO. As of summer 2023, London’s boroughs can be classified into three categories regarding their Article 4 status for HMOs: those fully governed by Article 4, those with partial regulations, and those without any Article 4 provisions.

- Boroughs including Hounslow, Barnet, Brent, Enfield, Newham, Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Bexley, Waltham Forest, and Greenwich, among others, have implemented Article 4 across their entire regions concerning Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

- Certain boroughs, including Hillingdon, Ealing, Haringey, Southwark, Lewisham, Merton, and Bromley, have designated sections of their jurisdiction governed by Article 4 Directions concerning Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). It is crucial to understand that within these boroughs, the regulations can vary, with some areas imposing stricter or more lenient rules than others.

- Boroughs such as Camden, Islington, Hackney, Westminster, the City of London, Lambeth, Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith & Fulham, Wandsworth, and several others (indicated below without stripes) lack Article 4 Directions for HMOs in their areas.

If you require any further information on HMO Conversions, please do not hesitate to give Excela Architecture London a call on 020 8064 4098

In the context of housing, an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) is a property where three or more people, forming more than one household, share facilities like bathrooms, toilets, or kitchens.

An HMO is a property where multiple unrelated people live, sharing common areas or facilities.

• Multiple Households: The property is occupied by more than one household.

• Shared Amenities: Tenants share facilities like bathrooms, toilets, or kitchens.

• Not Self-Contained Flats: The property is not entirely made up of self-contained flats.

Examples:

A house shared by multiple students.

A flat where multiple unrelated people share a kitchen and bathroom.

A building converted into bedsits or non-self-contained accommodation.

Legal Implications:

Landlords of HMOs have specific legal responsibilities, including obtaining a license for certain types of HMOs.

Local authorities play a role in managing and enforcing HMO regulations.

HMOs are subject to regulations regarding health and safety, overcrowding, and other issues.

Distinction from Multi-Let Properties: Multi-let properties are similar to HMOs, but they may not always require a license, depending on the number of tenants and local council guidelines.

For a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in England, minimum bedroom sizes are 6.51 square meters for a single person over 10, 10.22 square meters for two people over 10, and 4.64 square meters for a child under 10.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of HMO size requirements:

Minimum Bedroom Sizes:

• Single person over 10 years old: 6.51 square meters (approximately 70 square feet).

• Two people over 10 years old sharing a room: 10.22 square meters (approximately 110 square feet).

• Child under 10 years old: 4.64 square meters.

• En-suite: A minimum en-suite size should be no less than 1.12m2.

• Toilet with a hand basin: 1.2m2.

• Only a shower: 1.7m2.

Other Considerations:

• Living Space: While not explicitly defined in the regulations, it's highly recommended to provide a living area for tenants in shared accommodation.

• Local Authority Requirements: Local councils may have their own requirements regarding living areas, so it's essential to check with your local authority.

• Kitchen Requirements: For up to 5 people, a kitchen of at least 7 sqm is required. For 6 to 10 people, a kitchen area of up to 10 sqm is sufficient. For more than 10 people, a second kitchen or additional facilities are necessary.

• Shared Amenities: The property needs to have enough toilets, washing facilities, and cooking facilities.

• Safety Features: The property needs to have a waste disposal provision, interlinked smoke alarm and fire alarm systems, and gas safety and electrical safety checks.

• Fire Safety: Enhanced fire safety measures, including clearly laid out fire exits and a written fire safety plan, are also required. ]

If you require any further information on HMO Loft Conversions, please do not hesitate to give Excela Architecture London a call on 020 8064 4098

In London, converting a property to an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) may require planning permission, especially if housing 7 or more people, or if the property is in an area with Article 4 restrictions. Here's a more detailed breakdown:

• General Rule: Converting a single-family home (C3) to an HMO (C4) for 6 or fewer people usually doesn't require planning permission, unless there are specific local restrictions such as Article 4.

• HMOs with 7 or More Occupants: If you plan to house 7 or more unrelated people, you will almost always need planning permission.

• Article 4 Restrictions: Some areas have "Article 4" restrictions, which require planning permission for HMO conversions, even for smaller HMOs (e.g., 3-6 occupants).

• Check Local Regulations: It's crucial to check with the local council's planning department to determine if your specific area has any restrictions or requirements for HMO conversions.

• Licensing: Even if you don't need planning permission, you may still need an HMO license if the property houses 5 or more people.

• Sui Generis HMOs: If a property is not classified under the standard use classes (like C3 or C4) and is used for a unique purpose, it's considered a "Sui Generis" use, which may require planning permission.

• Building Regulations: In addition to planning permission, HMOs are subject to building regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of the occupants.