Permitted development rights allow development to take place through pre-approved planning permission. They may be extended or increased within a defined geographical area to restrict even minor development in sensitive locations.
Article 4 of the General Permitted Development Order 2015 is used by the Local Planning Authority in Manchester to remove particular types of permitted development, including changing the use of your property into a House in Multiple Occupation.
In Manchester, you need planning permission to let a house out to more than two unrelated people, if the house is currently not used as a House in Multiple Occupation.
If your property has been continuously rented as what would be defined as a HMO set out in s254 of the Housing Act 2004, the Planning and Compensation Act 1991 introduced time limits which would prevent enforcement action by local authorities for breaches of planning control. After a certain period of time, an application for a Lawful Development Certificate can be made making the owner immune from any action.
For more information, please visit https://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/500207/planning_and_regeneration/4847/article_4_direction_changing_the_use_of_your_property
