Class L – Small HMOs to Dwellinghouses and Vice Versa
Class L from the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) is particularly relevant for HMO landlords and property owners.
It allows for certain changes of use between small houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and single dwellinghouses without the need for planning permission, thus providing a degree of flexibility for property use.
Firstly, as a property owner, you are permitted to change the use of a building from a Class C4 HMO to a Class C3 dwellinghouse.
Class C3 includes single dwellinghouses, which are generally used as family homes or residences for up to six people living as a single household.
Class C4 covers small HMOs, which typically include properties occupied by 3-6 unrelated individuals sharing basic amenities.
This regulation means that if you own a small HMO, you can convert it into a single dwellinghouse without applying for planning permission.
You are also allowed to change the use of a building from a Class C3 dwellinghouse to a Class C4 HMO.
This change is particularly advantageous in areas with high demand for shared housing, such as near universities or in city centres, allowing you to adapt your property portfolio to meet market needs without the administrative burden of obtaining planning consent.
However, it's important to be aware of the restrictions outlined in the regulation.
Development is not permitted if it would result in the conversion of a single HMO into two or more separate dwellinghouses.
You cannot convert a single Class C3 dwellinghouse into two or more separate Class C4 HMOs.
An HMO with more than 6 persons would require planning permission.
Understanding these regulations is crucial for making informed decisions about property use and investment.
Legislation
Class L – small HMOs to dwellinghouses and vice versa
Permitted development
L. Development consisting of a change of use of a building—
(a) from a use falling within Class C4 (houses in multiple occupation) of the Schedule to the Use Classes Order, to a use falling within Class C3 (dwellinghouses) of that Schedule;
(b) from a use falling within Class C3 (dwellinghouses) of the Schedule to the Use Classes Order, to a use falling within Class C4 (houses in multiple occupation) of that Schedule.
Development not permitted
L.1 Development is not permitted by Class L if it would result in the use—
(a) as two or more separate dwellinghouses falling within Class C3 (dwellinghouses) of the Schedule to the Use Classes Order of any building previously used as a single dwellinghouse falling within Class C4 (houses in multiple occupation) of that Schedule; or
(b) as two or more separate dwellinghouses falling within Class C4 (houses in multiple occupation) of that Schedule of any building previously used as a single dwellinghouse falling within Class C3 (dwellinghouses) of that Schedule.
Other Prior Approval Planning Applications
You maybe interested in some of the other key permitted development change of use allowances:
Class G – Commercial, business and service or betting office or pay day loan shop to mixed use, incorporating residential uses
Class H – Mixed use to commercial, business and service or betting office or pay day loan shop
Class M – Various uses, such as, launderette, betting office, payday loan shop, hot food takeaway to dwellings
Class MA – Class E commercial, business and service uses to dwellings
Class N – Sui Generis casino or amusement arcade to dwellings
Class Q – Agricultural buildings to dwellings
Class R – Agricultural buildings to a flexible commercial use
Recent Change of Use Projects
Contact Us about your HMO Change of Use
If you have you are planning an HMO, A D P can assist you with your change of use application.
Please contact us via mail@adpltd.co.uk or use the form below:
