Gordon Brown’s outgoing amendment in the Housing Sector which practically came out from nowhere was rushed through just before parliament dissolved – despite petitions quickly signed and sent to Downing Street!
What is it I hear you cry, well on and after 6 April 2010, changes implemented by The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes)(Amendment) (England) Order 2010 will mean that in certain circumstances, a landlord wishing to let out a property nay need planning permission before doing so.
There are now three classifications of a dwellinghouse which fall under Class C3 (a), (b) and (c) and a totally new Class C4. The main effect of the new use classes will be that in order for a property to be defined as a ‘dwellinghouse’ it must be occupied by people who form a ‘single household’ as defined in the Housing Act 2004. A single household means the occupants must be related, such as mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, uncles, cousins – you get the picture? A couple co-habitating will also form a single household under C3 (a). These are okay it is where between 3 and 6 unrelated people live in a property and share one or more basic amenities (bathroom, kitchen or toilet) the property will classed under a new Use Class 4. Presently that could be 3+ nurses sharing, 3+ friends sharing (students or professional) and this is where it is going to bite as initial enquiries in costs have been over £200.
Also, if granted a C4 use and then you choose to subsequently let to a family and then subsequently after the family you revert back to sharers again you will have to apply for planning consent as you can go from C4 to C3 use but cannot go from C3 to C4 without change of use.
It does not however apply to any existing HMO(house of multiple occupancy) in occupation.
If you are concerned or have any queries then please do not hesitate to contact us.
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