Havering Council is asking residents, businesses and interested parties for their views on plans to introduce borough-wide planning controls for new Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
The Council is consulting on a proposed Article 4 Direction which, if confirmed, would mean all new HMOs across Havering would require planning permission before they can be created.
At present, there are parts of the Borough where some detached homes can be converted into HMOs without the need for planning permission.
The proposed borough-wide Article 4 Direction would make the rules consistent across Havering and apply to all types of residential properties changing to HMOs.
The proposal would formally withdraw permitted development rights granted by Schedule 2, Part 3, Class L(b) of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015, as amended, for changes of use from a dwellinghouse to a HMO.
If introduced, the change would allow the Local Planning Authority to consider new HMO proposals against planning policy and take account of issues including:
- the quality of residential development and adequacy of facilities
- the need for family-sized homes
- the over-concentration of HMOs in particular areas
- antisocial behaviour and impacts on local services
- parking and transport impacts.
Councillor Keith Prince AM, Leader of Havering Council, said:
“We know residents care deeply about the quality of housing in their neighbourhoods and the impact that poorly managed or over-concentrated HMOs can have on local communities. That’s why we made tackling HMOs a priority in our First 100 Days Plan.
“This proposed Article 4 Direction would give the Council greater ability to consider HMO applications through the planning process, helping us to manage growth in a fair, consistent and responsible way.
"I encourage residents, landlords, businesses and all interested parties to take part in the consultation and share their views.”
Article 4 Directions must be supported by a robust evidence base in line with national planning policy.
An evidence report has been prepared to support the proposal and is available as part of the consultation documents.
Subject to the outcome of the consultation, the Council proposes to implement the new HMO Article 4 Direction one year after the Direction is made.
The public consultation is open for eight weeks, from Friday 21 2026 until Friday 16 October 2026.