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Can I change my house into a shared house for students (HMO)?
In many cases, yes. Converting a single residential property (Class C3) into a small House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) for up to six occupants can often be done under permitted development rights, specifically under Class L. This means that planning permission isn’t usually required.
However, if your property is located in an area covered by an Article 4 Direction, permitted development rights are removed, and you would need to apply for full planning permission to change the use from C3 (dwellinghouse) to C4 (HMO).
Read more information about use class changes on Planning Portal
Common Questions
If you want formal confirmation that the existing use of a building is lawful for planning purposes, or that your proposed development does not require planning permission, you can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate(LDC). An LDC can be useful in situations where you need assurance that a particular use, operation, or development is lawful under planning legislation.
Read more about Lawful Development Certificates.
Applications for a Lawful Development Certificate can be submitted online to your local council using Planning Portal. You must include enough detail and evidence to support your case; if the information is insufficient, your application may be refused.
Planning permission is not required to remove an internal chimney breast as the change does not impact the exterior of the house. Rules may differ if you are planning on removing the chimney stack, or if you are in a conservation area.
If you live in a listed building, then you will need to apply for listed building consent for any major changes to the building.
Building regulations approval will always apply when removing chimney breasts as they are part of the building’s structure. You should seek advice from a structural engineer who will provide drawings and calculations that can be submitted as part of your application.
Removing a non-load bearing wall will likely not require building control approval provided it does not affect fire escape routes, ventilation, drainage or electrics.
It is best practice to get a report from a structural engineer to ensure the wall is non-load bearing prior to starting any work.
Inserting new windows which look similar to those previously used in the house will often not require planning permission. Some rules apply to new additions, for example if they are on an upper-floor side elevation they must be obscure glazed and non-opening or more than 1.7 metres above the floor.
Installing a new bay window on the front elevation would require planning permission as it is classed as a forward extension.
If you live in a listed building or conservation area you should contact your local planning authority.
Any new openings will have to comply with building regulations, this may impact thermal heat loss, structure, ventilation and fire safety.
You can use a member of a competent person scheme to complete any work, this will ensure that the work is completed in-line with regulations.
Adding a new driveway to an unclassified road for access to a house or business falls under permitted development rights, meaning no application for planning permission is required.
If you live in a listed building, you will have to apply for listed building consent for any significant works, whether internal or external.
You will have to apply to the relevant highway authority for a dropped kerb if you wish to cross a pavement to access your property.
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