We are consulting on a proposed non-immediate Article 4 Direction that removes permitted development rights which currently allow the conversion of a dwelling house (use class C3) into small Houses in Multiple Occupation for between 3 and 6 residents (HMOs – Use Class C4) without the need for planning permission.
The Article 4 Direction applies to land within the administrative area of the Council but excludes land designated within the administrative area of the Hartlepool Development Corporation. The Development Corporation is the planning decision maker for that area and is consulting upon its own Article 4 Direction.
Read the Article 4 Direction and view a map of the HBC Article 4 Area. The map can also be viewed at:
Hartlepool Borough Council, Civic Centre, Victoria Road, Hartlepool TS24 7BT from 9am to 4.30pm on weekdays (excluding Bank Holidays).
We published a public notice advertising the Article 4 Direction consultation on Wednesday 24th September.
Read a report considered by the Neighbourhood Services Committee on 30th June 2025 and a press release we issued on Wednesday 24th September 2025.
What would the Article 4 Direction do?
Currently permitted development rights allow residential dwellings to be converted into small HMOs (between 3 and 6 residents) without the need for planning permission. Should the Article 4 direction be made, the conversion of a dwelling house into any new HMO would need to apply for planning permission.
Get involved
You can make your comments known to us in a number of ways, but we would encourage you to submit your comments via our online survey
Paper copies of the survey are also available on request via landusepolicy@hartlepool.gov.uk or 01429 284308.
This consultation relates to the HBC Article 4 only, if you wish to comment on the Hartlepool Development Corporation then please do so on the following link https://teesvalley-ca.gov.uk/about/hartlepool-development-corporation/.
Representations must be made by 5pm on 23rd January 2025.
What happens next
Following the consultation, the council will consider all responses before deciding whether to confirm the Article 4 Direction. If confirmed, it is expected the Direction will come into force on 1 December 2026.