Article 4 Direction – Scunthorpe
Article 4 Direction: Small Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Scunthorpe
We’re seeking views on the introduction of a new planning control, known as an Article 4 Direction, to help regulate the creation of new small HMOs in Scunthorpe.
Introduction
North Lincolnshire Council has made the decision to make a non-immediate Article 4 Direction to the Town of Scunthorpe removing the permitted development right to convert a dwelling house (Use Class C3) into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) (Use Class C4) for between three to six unrelated residents (small HMO).
Under national planning legislation, converting a property from a single dwelling (Use Class C3) to a small HMO (Use Class C4) currently falls under permitted development rights, meaning no planning permission is required.
An Article 4 Direction removes these permitted development rights, requiring property owners to obtain planning permission before converting a dwelling into an HMO.
The direction only applies to the conversion of ‘small HMOs’, which have between three and six unrelated occupiers. ‘Large HMOs’, which are occupied by more than six unrelated occupiers, are already subject to planning permission.
Where these controls apply
The non-immediate Article 4 Direction applies to all wards in Scunthorpe (Crosby and Park, Town, Frodingham, Ashby Central, Ashby Lakeside, Bottesford, Kingsway with Lincoln Gardens, Brumby, part of Burringham and Gunness and Burton Upon Stather and Winterton) identified in red on the plan below:
This control is intended to come into effect from 26 November 2026.
Why is the Council implementing these controls?
There are growing concerns about the concentration of HMOs in the town of Scunthorpe and their impact on local communities, including:
- Noise nuisance and antisocial behaviour
- Increased pressure on local services and infrastructure
- Car parking issues
- Changes to the character of residential areas
- Poor housing conditions and management
- Loss of family-sized housing
By implementing the Article 4 Directions, the Council aims to ensure that new small HMOs are appropriately located, developed to a high standard and managed to protect the local environment and community.
Consultation
On the 4 October 2025 North Lincolnshire Council has made the decision to make a non-immediate Article 4 Direction to the Town of Scunthorpe removing the permitted development right to convert a dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) (Use Class C4) for three to six residents (small HMO).
You can view the Article 4 Direction Notice, the Sealed Article 4 Direction, the Evidence Base document and frequently asked questions below
- Article 4 Direction Public Notice
- Article 4 Direction Sealed document
- Article 4 Direction Evidence Base
- Article 4 Direction FAQs
The documents are also available to view at Church Square House, Scunthorpe.
The Council is seeking representations (comments) on introducing the Article 4 Direction from 27 November until 11.59pm on 31 December 2025.
Alternatively, comments can be emailed to strategic.housing@northlincs.gov.uk, or addressed to Strategic Housing Team, North Lincolnshire Council, Church Square House, 30 – 40 High Street, Scunthorpe, DN15 6NL.
This Article 4 Direction will come into effect on 26 November 2026, or such other later date as considered appropriate, should the Direction be confirmed. This means that such conversions will no longer be permitted development and will require planning permission from that date.
Please note, this Article 4 Direction does not affect conversions of dwellings to HMOs for seven or more residents (large HMO), or for new build HMOs or those created from other changes of use or conversions (that is, those other than from dwellinghouses). These forms of development continue to require planning permission.
The introduction of an Article 4 Direction does not mean a planning application for a small HMO would be automatically refused. It does allow for the proper consideration of the effects of a proposed HMO on an area’s amenity and local community, before issuing any planning permission. In doing so, we will be able to influence the quality of the HMO through the planning process.
Next steps after consultation closes
After the consultation period, the council will review all responses before deciding whether or not to confirm the non-immediate Article 4 Direction.