Article 4 Direction
Councils are confirming Article 4 Directions to control Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and manage their impact on residential areas.
Harrow Council confirmed a borough-wide Article 4 Direction in September 2026, requiring planning permission for converting dwelling houses into small HMOs. This decision, approved by the Cabinet, aims to give the council greater control over HMO proliferation. Similarly, Hillingdon Council reported in September 2026 that it had refused 22 out of 25 HMO applications since its Article 4 Direction was implemented in December 2025.
Merton Council's Cabinet recommended permanent confirmation of an Article 4 Direction in July 2026, requiring planning permission for all new HMOs in 13 wards. This followed a public consultation where 82% of respondents supported the move. The direction, which initially came into effect in March 2026, allows for case-by-case assessment of applications.
Key facts
- Harrow Council's Cabinet confirmed a borough-wide Article 4 Direction for HMOs on 24 September 2026. Source
- Hillingdon Council refused 22 out of 25 HMO applications since its Article 4 Direction was implemented in December 2025. Source
- Merton Council's Cabinet recommended permanent confirmation of an Article 4 Direction on 13 July 2026. Source
- Harrow Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed a proposed borough-wide Article 4 Direction on 09 June 2026. Source
- Merton Council's Article 4 Direction initially came into effect on 24 March 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.