Article 4 Direction (emerging)

Consultation on an Article 4 Direction

Consultation on an Article 4 Direction relating to the removal of permitted development rights to change use from C3 (dwelling house) to C4 (house in multiple occupation) within central wards in Rugby

On Monday 05 February 2024, Cabinet agreed to prepare an Article 4 Direction, and to invite views on the proposal. This Direction would require all proposed changes of use to a small HMO (use class C4) from a dwelling house (use class C3) to apply for planning permission, within the defined area. This type of development currently benefits from deemed consent under General Permitted Development.

The objective of this Direction is to enable greater oversight and management of HMO development within the central area of Rugby, specifically the following ward areas:

Benn
Newbold and Brownsover
Coton and Boughton
Eastlands
New Bilton

This emerging Article 4 Direction is part of a response to community feedback and concern regarding concentrations of HMOs in some central areas of Rugby. The local plan update is exploring policy options against which applications for HMOs could be assessed in future.

Consultation documents

The Article 4 Direction can be inspected at the following locations within normal opening hours:

The Town Hall, Evreux Way, Rugby, CV21 2RR
Rugby Library and Information Centre, Little Elbow Street, Rugby, CV21 3BZ

How to have your say

Any objection or representations concerning this Direction should be submitted:

by email to localplan@rugby.gov.uk with ‘Article 4 Direction’ in the subject line, or
in writing to the Town Hall (address above) for the attention of Development Strategy

All representations should be received by 5pm on Thursday 21 March 2024.

Next steps

Following the closure of the consultation period, all responses will be reviewed and reported to Cabinet. The Council will then decide whether to confirm the Article 4 Direction. If confirmed, the Direction will come into force not before 21 February 2025.