Article 4 Direction: Small Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Wisbech

We're seeking views on the introduction of a new planning control, known as an Article 4 Direction, to help regulate the creation of new small HMOs in Wisbech.

Introduction

The Council has made an immediate and non-immediate Article 4 Direction to regulate the creation of new small Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) in Wisbech.

Under national planning legislation, converting a property from a single dwelling (Use Class C3) to a small HMO (Use Class C4) currently falls under permitted development rights, meaning no planning permission is required.

An Article 4 Direction removes these permitted development rights, requiring property owners to obtain planning permission before converting a dwelling into an HMO.

The direction only applies to the conversion of 'small HMOs', which have been between three and six unrelated occupiers. 'Large HMOs', which are occupied by more than six unrelated occupiers, are already subject to planning permission.

Where these controls apply

The immediate Article 4 Direction applies to the Wisbech Riverside and Wisbech South wards. The control has come into force with immediate effect.

The non-immediate Article 4 Direction applies to all other wards in Wisbech - Wisbech North; Wisbech Walsoken and Waterlees; and Leverington and Wisbech Rural. This control is intended to come into effect from February 2026.

Why is the Council implementing these controls?

There are growing concerns about the concentration of HMOs in Wisbech and their impact on local communities, including:

Noise nuisance and antisocial behaviour
Increased pressure on local services and infrastructure
Car parking issues
Changes to the character of residential areas
Poor housing conditions and management
Loss of family-sized housing

By implementing the Article 4 Directions, the Council aims to ensure that new small HMOs are appropriately located, developed to a high standard and managed to protect the local environment and community.

Supporting documents

Immediate Article 4 Direction

Non-immediate Article 4 Direction

Non-immediate Article 4 Direction (PDF, 2 MB)

How to respond

Please share your views with us by completing our short online survey.

Printed copies are also available for collection from Wisbech Library.

Completed copies can be emailed to planningpolicy@fenland.gov.uk or posted to: Fenland District Council, Planning Policy, Fenland Hall, County Road, March, PE15 8NQ.

All responses must be received by 11.59pm on 21 March 2025.

Next steps after consultation closes

After the consultation period, the Council will review all responses before deciding whether or not to confirm the immediate and non-immediate Article 4 Directions.