At Cabinet on 22 September 2025, it was agreed
to introduce a non-immediate, borough-wide Article 4 Direction to
remove the permitted development right allowing the conversion of
dwelling houses (Use Class C3) into HMOs for up to six residents
(Use Class C4). A period of public consultation on the introduction
of the Article 4 Direction was to follow for a period of 6 weeks
– the consultation ran from 6 October to 16 November
2025.
It was also agreed that a further report be brought back to Cabinet
at the first available opportunity to consider the outcome of the
consultation and thereafter to determine if the Article 4 Direction
should be confirmed and come into effect on the 1 January 2026 or
such other later date as considered appropriate.
This report sets out the outcome of the public consultation,
summarises the available evidence and, as a result, seeks
confirmation of the Article 4 Direction, to come into effect on the
1 January 2026.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Affects more than 1 ward;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Notice of proposed decision first published: 18/11/2025
Decision due: December 2025 by Cabinet
Lead member: Cabinet Member - Neighbourhoods and Statuory Deputy Leader
Lead director: Deputy Chief Executive -
Department: Place Directorate
Contact: Elizabeth Dryden-Stuart, Team Leader (Interim) Email: elizabeth.dryden-stuart@oldham.gov.uk Email: elizabeth.dryden-stuart@oldham.gov.uk.
Consultation process
A public consultation on the introduction of
the Article 4 Direction was held between 6 October to 16 November
2025.
Equality Impact Assessment: Oldham Equality Impact Assessment completed.