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To confirm the Immediate
Article 4 Direction for central Wisbech (Wisbech Riverside and
Wisbech South), which removes permitted development rights allowing
the change of use from a dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a small
house in multiple occupation (HMO) (Use Class C4), and vice versa,
without the need for planning permission.

Reasons for the decision

Wisbech has experienced a
noticeable increase in the number of houses being converted into
small Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). While HMOs provide an
important source of affordable housing—often for younger
people, low-income households, and migrant workers—high
concentrations of poorly managed HMOs can lead to a range of
social, economic, and environmental challenges.
 
Ordinarily, property owners can
convert a dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a small HMO (Use Class
C4) without planning permission, under permitted development
rights. However, on 24 February 2025, Full Council agreed to
introduce two Article 4 Directions to remove this automatic right
in defined areas, including an Immediate Article 4 Direction
covering Central Wisbech.
 
Following this decision, a
four-week public consultation was held, generating 39
responses—primarily from residents. There was strong overall
support for the Council’s approach, which is seen to improve
housing standards and better manage neighbourhood
impacts.
 
This decision now seeks to
confirm the Immediate Article 4 Direction introduced on 24 February
2025. Immediate Article 4 Directions must be confirmed within six
months of coming into force; otherwise, they automatically lapse.
Confirmation will ensure continued removal of permitted development
rights in the designated area, requiring planning permission for
any future changes of use between dwellinghouses and small
HMOs.
 

Alternative options considered

The only alternative considered
was not confirming the Immediate Article 4 Direction and allowing
it to lapse. This was not appropriate, as the original reasons for
introducing the Direction remain valid. The public consultation
showed strong support, with no significant objections, and the
Secretary of State raised no concerns, indicating satisfaction with
the evidence provided.