Changes to HMO development rights in parts of Spelthorne

An Article 4 Direction will come into effect in Staines, Ashford North & Stanwell South, and Stanwell North wards, removing the current permitted development rights that allow a dwelling house to be converted into a small HMO (accommodating up to six individuals) without planning permission. From 29 August 2025, any property in these wards not already operating as a small HMO will require full planning permission for such a change of use.

Planning permission is already required for large HMOs (for seven or more occupants), and this requirement remains unchanged.

To ensure a consistent approach across the Borough, the Council has also introduced a second Article 4 Direction that will apply to all other wards in Spelthorne. Subject to confirmation, this wider direction is due to come into effect on 13 March 2026*

Cllr Michele Gibson, Chair of Spelthorne's Borough Council's Planning Committee, said:

"We have listened carefully to the concerns raised by residents about the rapid increase of HMOs in some of our communities. These changes will give us a vital tool to manage and control this type of development, ensuring it happens in a way that protects the character of our neighbourhoods and supports sustainable growth."

To find out more or report a problem with a HMO, visit https://www.spelthorne.gov.uk/resident-services/environmental-and-public-health/hmo or call 01784 451499.

Additional Information:

*Spelthorne Borough Council has the ability to withdraw some permitted development rights via an Article 4 Direction. However, the reason for the two phase approach for the Article 4 Direction is because implementation for each Article 4 direction needed to go through a consultation period to mitigate compensation claims by people affected.

The first phase Article 4 Direction was based on evidence of complaints gathered for those three wards and was implemented following the requisite consultation period, with an implementation date of 29 August 2025.

When further evidence of complaints began to increase for other wards, Councillors decided on the second phase including all remaining wards, which again required a consultation period, hence the implementation date of 13 March 2026.