On 25 February 2026, Wyre Council brought into force a Direction (with immediate effect) under Article 4(1) of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) to remove what is currently permitted development (where an application for planning permission is not required) for the change of use of a dwellinghouse (occupied by a household living as a family) (Use Class C3) to a House of Multiple Occupation (3-6 Occupants) (Use Class C4).
The Council consulted on the Article 4 Direction, and this 21-day consultation period ended on the 19 March 2026.
From 29 July 2026, 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.
Which area does the Article 4 apply to?
The Article 4 Direction applies to parts of Fleetwood and Thornton‑Cleveleys.
Article 4 Direction Notice February 2026
Article 4 Direction Evidence Document
Confirmation of Article 4 Direction Notice July 2026
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.