If as expected, the Council confirms the Article 4 direction removing permitted development rights to change a family home into a HMO from 1st July 2013 you may find yourself with a property you can’t develop.

Despite these changes being widely known to estate agents, some are suggesting that historical (but not current) HMO use of the property means that it can be used as a HMO without planning permission. This is incorrect.

If a property is not currently in use as an HMO you will need to apply for planning permission to use it as a HMO from 1st July 2013. Visit the Council’s advice pages on HMO’s for further information. www.bathnes.gov.uk/hmo