Conservation Areas and Article 4 Directions in Hyndburn
Article 4 Directions and Heritage
Article 4 Directions
Under the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015, local planning authorities can use Article 4 directions to remove certain permitted development rights. In the case of the Hyndburn Area, the permitted development rights for change of use of a building from a use falling within Class C3 (dwellinghouses) of the Town & Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended) to a use falling within Class C4 (houses in multiple occupation) of that Order. Planning permission will therefore be required for change of use from Class C3 to Class C4.
The Hyndburn Area has two Article 4 Directions which cover Class C4 (Houses in Multiple Occupation).
Article 4 Direction covering the Wards of Barnfield, Central, Church, Clayton-le-Moors, Peel, Netherton, Rishton, Spring Hill, St Andrews
In recent years, the Council has witnessed a steady increase in the number of houses in multiple occupation in Hyndburn. Without an Article 4 Direction to enable the Council to direct and manage the provision and distribution of HMOs, they are currently not regulated or managed effectively. It is acknowledged that HMOs can be an important source of low-cost private sector housing for those on low incomes, students, and people seeking temporary accommodation, etc. However, a high level of concentration of HMOs can result in the reduction of family dwellings, adverse impact on the amenity of the existing communities, and make places less attractive or enjoyable to live in due to waste management, parking issues, and noise concerns.
The Council initially applied for more control over Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) within nine wards using an Article 4 Direction. These were as follows;
Barnfield; Central; Church; Clayton-le-Moors; Peel; Netherton; Rishton; Spring Hill; St Andrew’s.
The Direction came into force on 15 March 2026.
Hyndburn ‘Made’ Article 4 Direction
Hyndburn Article 4 A1 Portrait Key
HMO Article 4 Direction Consultation Statement
Article 4 Direction covering the Wards of Altham, Baxenden, Huncoat, Immanuel, Milnshaw, Overton, St Oswalds
On 15th May 2026, Hyndburn Borough Council made an immediate direction under Article 4 (1) of the Town & Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (‘The General Permitted Development Order’). The Direction related once again to the removal of the permitted development rights to the change of use from a use falling within Class C3 (dwellinghouse) of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended) to a use falling to a use falling within Class C4 (Houses in Multiple Occupation).
This Direction covers the Wards of Altham, Baxenden, Huncoat, Immanuel, Milnshaw, Overton and St Oswalds.
Article 4 Consultation Statement
Article 4 Notice of Confirmation of Direction
For more information on Planning Policy Planning Policy in Hyndburn
For more information on Development Management and planning applications Development Management Do You Need Planning Permission?