Following a 2022 study by Building Research Establishment Ltd, Arun confirmed a non-immediate Article 4 Direction to remove permitted development rights for the change of use from a dwellinghouse (C3) to a house in multiple occupancy (C4) which came into force in January 2023. The study can be accessed here: Arun Additional Analysis BRE [pdf] 4MB
This means that a planning application is required to change the use of a dwelling house (use class C3) to a house in multiple occupation (shared houses occupied as their only or main residence, by between three and six unrelated individuals who share basic amenities such as a kitchen or bathroom).
The Article 4 direction applies to the following wards, where existing or future high concentrations of HMOs are considered likely to be harmful to the amenity or wellbeing of local residents and communities:
- River ward, Littlehampton
- Marine ward, Bognor Regis
- Hotham ward, Bognor Regis
Any house that was already in multiple occupation use before that can continue to be used as a shared house.
Links to the relevant documents follow:
MA294 A4D River, Hotham and Marine Wards HMO Restrictions[pdf] 4MB
Accessible version of the text of MA294 A4D River, Hotham and Marine Wards HMO Restrictions
Arun District Council
The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended)
Direction made under Article 4(1) without immediate effect
WHEREAS ARUN DISTRICT COUNCIL, being the appropriate local planning authority within the meaning of article 4(5) of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development)(England) Order 2015, are satisfied that it is expedient that development of the description as set out in the Schedule below should not be carried out on the land shown edged red on the attached plan unless planning permission is granted on an application made under Part III of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).
NOW THEREFORE the said Council in pursuance of the power conferred on them by Article 4(1) of the Order hereby direct that the permission granted by Article 3 of the order shall not apply to development on the said land of the description set out in the Schedule below.
SCHEDULE
In relation to all residential properties within the River ward, Littlehampton and Hotham and Marine wards , Bognor Regis West Sussex as shown edged red on the plans attached to this order, development consisting of a change of use of a building or land within its curtilage from a use falling within Class C3 (dwellinghouses) of the Schedule of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987, to a use falling within Class C4 (houses in multiple occupation) of that Schedule and not being development comprised within any other Class.
THIS DIRECTION is made under Article 4(1) of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 and in accordance with Schedule 3 of that Order and shall come into force, if confirmed on the 19th of January 2023.
1. In witness whereof the common seal
of ARUN DISTRICT COUNCIL was
hereunto affixed in the presence of
Authorised signatory: Edward O'Brien, Property Lawyer
this 2nd day of November 2022
2. To be completed when confirming the article 4 direction.
IN WITNESS whereof the common seal
of ARUN DISTRICT COUNCIL was
hereunto affixed in the presence of
Authorised signatory: Edward O'Brien, Property Lawyer
this 16th day of May 2023
Accordion end
Planning applications should be submitted through the planning portal which can be accessed below.
Apply for Planning Permission