Eastbourne Borough Council (EBC) has introduced new planning controls to manage the proliferation of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in parts of the town center. The council has implemented an Article 4 Direction, which means that properties wishing to be converted into small HMOs—for three to six people—will now require planning permission.

What is an Article 4 Direction?

An Article 4 Direction is a measure that a local authority can use to remove “permitted development” rights. Normally, a property can be converted from a family home (C3 use class) to a small HMO (C4 use class) without a planning application. This new direction removes that right in specific areas of Eastbourne, giving the council more control over the types of housing and their concentration.

Key Details of the New Controls:

• Affected Areas: The Article 4 Direction applies to properties within the Devonshire, Meads, Upperton, and a small part of the St Anthony’s wards.
• Planning Permission Required: Any new conversions of houses into small HMOs (3-6 people) in these wards will now need to go through the planning application process.
• Existing HMOs: The change does not apply to conversions completed before 30 July 2025. Owners of existing small HMOs can apply for a “Certificate of Lawful Development” to formally confirm their property’s use.
• New Planning Guidance: EBC has also adopted a new Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) to guide how HMO planning applications will be considered. The council will now evaluate factors such as the concentration of HMOs, the impact on neighbor amenities, and the loss of family homes.

EBC Leader, Councillor Stephen Holt, stated that while HMOs are a crucial part of the town’s housing landscape, these new controls are part of the council’s commitment to improving living conditions for both HMO residents and their neighbours. The move is designed to strike a balance between providing diverse housing options