With immediate effect, Wyre Council has brought into force a Direction under Article 4(1) of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015.
The Article 4 Direction removes existing permitted development rights that currently allow a change of use from a dwelling house (Use Class C3), occupied by a single household living as a family, to a small House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) for 3–6 occupants (Use Class C4) without planning permission.
Any change of use from Class C3 (residential dwelling) to Class C4 (HMOs) will now require planning permission, regardless of the number of occupants.. This ensures that every proposed HMO within the designated area is subject to full planning scrutiny and no property may operate as an HMO without first securing formal approval through a full planning application.
The Article 4 Direction applies to parts of Fleetwood and Thornton‑Cleveleys.
Councillor Peter Le-Marinel, Portfolio Holder for Planning Policy and Economic Development, said:
“In the last few years, parts of Wyre have seen a marked increase in the number of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). While HMOs can play a positive role in our housing market providing low‑cost accommodation for those who need it, we must also recognise the wider impact on our communities.
As a result of the evidence gathered an immediate Article 4 Direction will be introduced for HMOs across all wards in Fleetwood and Thornton‑Cleveleys.”
The Article 4 Direction will ensure greater oversight, protect the balance of our neighbourhoods and help Wyre manage future developments more effectively. The Direction will come into effect in the coming weeks and will be publicised in line with statutory requirements.
Wyre Council will run a 21‑day consultation 25 February to 19 March 2026.
Representations must be submitted in writing to –
Madison Yeo
Wyre Borough Council
Civic Centre
Breck Road
Poulton
FY6 7PU
or by email to: planning.policy@wyre.gov.uk
A copy of the Direction and the associated plan can also be inspected at the Wyre Borough Council Civic Centre, Breck Road, Poulton, FY6 7PU, during normal opening hours.
Following the consultation, a further notice will be published confirming whether the Council has decided to confirm the Direction.
For more information please visit – www.wyre.gov.uk/planning-building-control/article-4-direction-hmos