Planning permission for landlords

If you want to construct a new building, alter the appearance of an existing building or change the use of a building, you are likely to need planning permission.

The Planning Portal provides guidance on use classes.

Some minor alterations and extensions, particularly to houses, are classed as ‘permitted development’ and do not require planning permission.

Haringey Council has made a number of Article 4 directions which remove certain permitted development rights. This means that you may have to apply for planning permission for works which normally would be permitted development.

Article 4 directions in place are: 

• houses in multiple occupation (HMO) – this removes permitted development rights for the conversion of a dwellinghouse (use class C3) to an HMO (use class C4) and applies across most of the east of Haringey
• warehouse to residential – this removes permitted development rights for the conversion of storage and distribution centres (use class B8) to residential (use class C3) and applies to Haringey's designated employment areas
• works within a conservation area – there are 4 Article 4 directions within conservation areas that remove permitted development rights such as alterations to windows and doors
• office to residential – this removes permitted development rights for the conversion of offices (use class B1a) to residential (use class C3) and applies to Haringey's main town centres and designated growth areas

Planning permission and HMO licensing

Planning permission and property licensing are 2 different authorisations. You need both if you wish to legally operate an HMO in Haringey.

An HMO licence does not mean you have planning approval.

Planning approval does not legally allow you to operate an HMO in Haringey without an HMO licence.