Article 4 by council › West Northamptonshire
HMO Article 4 in West Northamptonshire
Do you need planning permission to turn a family home into a small HMO in West Northamptonshire? What the council's own direction says, with dates, the map and the source.
In parts. West Northamptonshire has HMO Article 4 directions in named areas.
named areas: the whole of the former Northampton Borough area, built up from Sunnyside (2011), Northampton North and Central (2012), Far Cotton and Delapre and Cliftonville (in force 2018-09-29) and 'remaining areas of Northampton' (in force 2020-11-13); no direction in the former Daventry or South Northamptonshire areas In force since 13 November 2020. 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 West Northamptonshire
Mandatory HMO licence: 5 or more people forming 2 or more households sharing facilities.
Additional licensing: yes, named areas: designated areas of Northampton and Daventry (the 2020 to 2025 scheme area plus additional areas; map PDF 'Additional Licensing Area 2025 to 2030' on council page) (from 24 February 2025).
Selective licensing: none found. Types of HMO licences page lists mandatory and additional licensing only; no selective scheme described.
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: West Northamptonshire council, planning.data.gov.uk Article 4 direction areas, gov.uk HMO licensing. Indicative; confirm with the council before you offer.