Decision details

To confirm the Immediate Article 4 Direction for central Wisbech (Wisbech Riverside and Wisbech South), which removes permitted development rights allowing the change of use from a dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a small house in multiple occupation (HMO) (Use Class C4), and vice versa, without the need for planning permission.

Wisbech has experienced a noticeable increase in the number of houses being converted into small Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). While HMOs provide an important source of affordable housing—often for younger people, low-income households, and migrant workers—high concentrations of poorly managed HMOs can lead to a range of social, economic, and environmental challenges.

Ordinarily, property owners can convert a dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a small HMO (Use Class C4) without planning permission, under permitted development rights. However, on 24 February 2025, Full Council agreed to introduce two Article 4 Directions to remove this automatic right in defined areas, including an Immediate Article 4 Direction covering Central Wisbech.

Following this decision, a four-week public consultation was held, generating 39 responses—primarily from residents. There was strong overall support for the Council’s approach, which is seen to improve housing standards and better manage neighbourhood impacts.

This decision now seeks to confirm the Immediate Article 4 Direction introduced on 24 February 2025. Immediate Article 4 Directions must be confirmed within six months of coming into force; otherwise, they automatically lapse. Confirmation will ensure continued removal of permitted development rights in the designated area, requiring planning permission for any future changes of use between dwellinghouses and small HMOs.

The only alternative considered was not confirming the Immediate Article 4 Direction and allowing it to lapse. This was not appropriate, as the original reasons for introducing the Direction remain valid. The public consultation showed strong support, with no significant objections, and the Secretary of State raised no concerns, indicating satisfaction with the evidence provided.