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Written question asked by Oliver Dowden (Conservative) on Monday, 13 April 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 April 2026. It was answered by Matthew Pennycook (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 April 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.


Permitted Development Rights: Multiple Occupation

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what discussions he has had with local planning authorities on efficiently preparing Article 4 directions under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 for houses in multiple occupation.

Answer

The procedure for Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) to make an Article 4 direction is laid out in Schedule 3 of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015, which is available on gov.uk here.

Additional guidance can be found in the “When is permission required?” Planning Practice Guidance, which is available on gov.uk here.

My Department engages with LPAs in respect of Article 4 directions on an ongoing basis.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
126627
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Multiple occupation Permitted development rights
Legislation
Town and Country Planning Act 1990
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk