Article 4 by council › Somerset
HMO Article 4 in Somerset
Do you need planning permission to turn a family home into a small HMO in Somerset? What the council's own direction says, with dates, the map and the source.
In parts. Somerset has HMO Article 4 directions in named areas.
named areas: zones in Yeovil only (direction made by the former South Somerset District Council 2016-05-19, in force 2016-11-19; Zone 2 Central extension approved 2018-01-03; a Zone 6 College Green was proposed in 2020); no successor Somerset Council page found, so current extent is as per the last SSDC report In force since 19 November 2016. Inside those areas a small HMO of 3 to 6 people needs full planning permission; outside them it is permitted development, subject to licensing. Check the exact address on the council's map or with the postcode checker below.
Check an exact postcode
A direction can cover part of a council, and the national dataset is incomplete. This asks the planning data service for the exact point and falls back to the council's own statement.
Licensing in Somerset
Mandatory HMO licence: 5 or more people forming 2 or more households sharing facilities.
Additional licensing: none found. Council HMO licensing page states a licence is required where the property is occupied by 5 or more people from more than one household sharing amenities (mandatory only); no additional scheme mentioned.
Selective licensing: none found. No selective licensing scheme mentioned on the council HMO licensing page or licensing index.
What an Article 4 direction means
HMO Article 4 directions remove the permitted-development right to convert a family home (C3) to a small HMO (C4, 3 to 6 people). Inside one, that conversion needs full planning permission. Councils may also run additional licensing (smaller HMOs) or selective licensing (all private rentals) in designated areas. Planning permission and licensing are separate: a licence does not grant planning permission, and permission does not remove the need for a licence.
Sources: Somerset council, planning.data.gov.uk Article 4 direction areas, gov.uk HMO licensing. Indicative; confirm with the council before you offer.