Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council has launched a public consultation following the introduction of an Immediate Article 4 Direction aimed at managing the conversion of residential family homes into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across parts of Tonbridge and Snodland.
The new planning measure removes automatic “permitted development rights,” meaning developers and property owners will now be required to submit a full planning application before converting a single residential family home (Use Class C3) into a small HMO housing up to six occupants (Use Class C4).
Key Details at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Authority | Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council |
| Affected Areas | Designated zones in Tonbridge, Snodland, and surrounding areas (such as parts of East Malling) |
| Measure Introduced | Immediate Article 4 Direction |
| Cabinet Approval Date | 6 October 2026 |
| Consultation Deadline | 27 November 2026 |
| Official Information & Submissions | www.tmbc.gov.uk/hmo-consultation |
What Is an Article 4 Direction?
Under standard UK planning law, changing a property’s use from a family dwellinghouse to a small HMO (for 3 to 6 unrelated individuals sharing facilities like kitchens, living rooms, or bathrooms) is usually allowed automatically under permitted development rights without formal planning approval.
An Article 4 Direction allows local planning authorities to withdraw those automatic rights in specific geographical areas.
Important Note: An Article 4 Direction does not mean a ban on HMOs, nor does it affect existing, legally established HMOs. Instead, it ensures that any future proposed conversion is evaluated by council planning officers, giving the council and local residents a say over housing density, parking, and neighbourhood character.
Community Impact & Official Commentary
The decision follows growing community feedback regarding the concentration of multi-occupancy housing in specific residential neighbourhoods across the borough.
Expressing the local authority’s commitment to community consultation, Councillor Robin Betts, Cabinet Member for Housing, Environment and Economy, said:
“Residents have told us that the character of their neighbourhoods matters. This consultation gives people the opportunity to share their views on how future HMO development should be managed and its impact on local communities and its services.”
How Residents and Landlords Can Have Their Say
The public consultation is active, and all local residents, landlords, and community stakeholders are invited to submit their comments. Feedback gathered during this period will directly inform the council’s decision on confirming the Direction permanently.
- Closing Date: 27 November 2026
- How to Participate: View official boundary maps, detailed documentation, and submit feedback online via the council’s portal at www.tmbc.gov.uk/hmo-consultation.
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