5. Houses in multiple occupation supplementary planning document and Article 4 Direction
2023 Article 4 Direction
The Article 4 Direction covers part of Exeter and restricts the permitted development rights of homeowners to change their properties from regular dwellings to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). This means that, within the area covered by the Article 4 Direction, planning permission is required to change a house to an HMO. The 2023 Article 4 Direction came into force on 23 December 2024 and was prepared according to statutory requirements.
The Article 4 Direction helps to manage the impacts of increasing numbers of students living in various parts of the city, particularly those close to the campuses and the city centre. The parts of Exeter affected by the Article 4 Direction are shown on the Article 4 Direction document and in pink on the interactive map below.
The 2023 Article 4 Direction replaces an earlier Article 4 Direction that was established in 2010 and updated in 2014.
The decision to enlarge the area affected by the 2010 Article 4 Direction was informed by a review of the Article 4 Direction houses in multiple occupation supplementary planning document.
Houses in multiple occupation supplementary planning document (2023)
The HMO SPD provides more detailed guidance on how policy H5 of the Exeter Local Plan First Review, and Policy C1 of the Exeter St James Neighbourhood Plan, will be implemented. This is in order to help manage the impact of student HMOs within the area covered by the Article 4 Direction.
The SPD is a material consideration in the determination of planning applications. The 2023 SPD replaces the previous version of the document, adopted in 2014.
Houses in multiple occupation supplementary planning document.
Licencing of houses in multiple occupation
Obtaining planning permission for an HMO and obtaining a licence for an HMO are separate processes. Obtaining an HMO Licence does not mean that you have automatic planning permission for the HMO. Equally, having planning permission for an HMO does not guarantee that an HMO Licence will be granted.
Please see HMO Licencing for further information about licensing requirements.
Letting agent signboards protocol (2014)
The 2014 signboards protocol aims to secure agreement from letting agents to display fewer signboards in an area of the city where there are excessive numbers. This protocol should avoid the need for the Council to seek additional controls on signboards.
Letting agent signboards protocol.