At present, converting a dwelling into a small HMO is classed as “permitted development” and does not require planning consent unless an Article 4 Direction is in force.
Article 4 gives local authorities power to require planning permission for such conversions and allows for resident consultation.
Bassetlaw District Council leader Councillor Julie Leigh said the number of HMOs there had remained stable but the council wanted stronger planning tools to ensure they were “well managed and do not negatively impact existing neighbourhoods”. She added that HMOs “have an important part to play in the housing mix” for residents who cannot afford to rent or buy their own property.
Across Nottinghamshire, recent figures show varying levels of HMO activity this year. Nottingham City Council, which already has an Article 4 Direction in place for HMOs with three to six tenants, received 102 applications between January and mid-September. Of these, 44 have been approved, 12 refused, 27 are pending, and 19 have been returned or invalidated.
Broxtowe Borough Council, which has an Article 4 Direction covering Beeston, received 15 applications, approving 13 and awaiting decisions on two.
Bassetlaw District Council has received no new HMO applications this year but approved one submitted in 2024.
Mansfield District Council has received eight applications since January, approving or issuing permission for four, with four still under consideration. The council said it had seen a “small increase” in 2025 and currently has no Article 4 Direction in place.
Newark and Sherwood District Council reported three applications this year, approving two and awaiting a decision on one, while Rushcliffe Borough Council received four – approving one, refusing one, and with two still pending.
A Rushcliffe Borough Council spokesperson said a motion debated on 17 September recognised “the perception that Rushcliffe is experiencing an increase in the number of Houses in Multiple Occupation” and confirmed a report will be brought to Cabinet by February 2026 to consider whether an Article 4 Direction should be introduced.
• Quality standards for Homes of Multiple Occupation in Rushcliffe secured
Across England and Wales, HMO licensing data suggests a small national decline, with 23,947 licences granted in 2024 compared with 25,445 the year before – a 5.9 per cent fall – although some areas have recorded local increases.
