On 28 October 2020, the Council’s Executive confirmed the making of a non-immediate Article 4(1) Direction for the urban areas of Bedford and Kempston to come into force on 22 November.
This means permitted development rights for the change of use of dwelling houses in Class C3, to small houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in Class C4 will be withdrawn from 22 November.
A small HMO is where between three and six unrelated people share basic amenities, such as a kitchen or bathroom.
From 22 November 2020 planning permission will be needed before a single-family dwelling house can be converted into a small HMO within the urban areas of Bedford and Kempston (please see the map below showing the exact boundary).
We want to better manage the impact of small HMOs in Bedford and Kempston.
You can download a copy of the Article 4(1) Direction, including a map defining the area and associated documents, using the link below.
You can also view the extent of the area designated by using our online mapping system. Once on the online mapping system, add the layer titled ‘Planning: Article 4 Direction C3 to C4 Use’.