Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Property118. Read the original article for full details.
Telford and Wrekin to require planning permission for new HMOs from 2027
Telford and Wrekin Council has confirmed it is pressing ahead with new planning controls for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), even though its bid to bring in additional landlord licensing has been paused. From February 2027, an Article 4 Direction will mean planning permission is required for all new HMOs in the area.
The council says the move will give it more control over the conversion of properties into HMOs. According to the report, the planning controls are going ahead independently of the licensing scheme, which remains paused following a challenge.
What this means for landlords and agents
For letting agents and inventory clerks operating in the Telford and Wrekin area, the Article 4 Direction changes how new HMOs can be established. Currently, small HMOs can typically be created without a specific planning application. From February 2027, all new HMOs will require planning permission.
Agents advising landlords on expanding portfolios in the borough should note that the timetable is now set. Any landlord considering converting a property into an HMO ahead of the February 2027 start date may wish to take the incoming requirement into account when planning.
Licensing bid paused, planning controls proceed
The report notes that the council's attempt to bring in additional landlord licensing has been paused. However, the council has made clear that the pause does not affect its intention to implement the Article 4 Direction and its associated planning controls for HMOs.
The two measures differ: additional licensing governs how existing and operating HMOs are managed and requires landlords to hold a licence, whereas the Article 4 Direction relates to planning consent for creating new HMOs in the first place. In Telford and Wrekin's case, one has been paused while the other is proceeding.
Next steps
The Property AI will continue to monitor developments in Telford and Wrekin, including any further updates on the paused licensing bid and the implementation of the Article 4 Direction ahead of February 2027. Agents and inventory clerks working with HMO landlords in the borough are encouraged to read the original Property118 report for the full details of the council's announcement.
Source: Property118