URL: https://democracy.breckland.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2573

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To seek Cabinet approval to commence immediate and focused work to develop the evidence base and policy justification required to determine whether it is appropriate to introduce an Article 4 Direction removing permitted development rights for change of use from Class C3 (dwellinghouses) to Class C4 (small Houses in Multiple Occupation) in parts of the district where concentrations are undermining community balance.

Content: To seek Cabinet approval to commence immediate and focused work to develop the evidence base and policy justification required to determine whether it is appropriate to introduce an Article 4 Direction removing permitted development rights for change of use from Class C3 (dwellinghouses) to Class C4 (small Houses in Multiple Occupation) in parts of the district where concentrations are undermining community balance. RESOLVED that:   1)    Cabinet approves the commencement of a comprehensive and focused evidence-gathering and policy development programme to support the potential introduction of an Article 4 Direction removing permitted development rights for change of use from Class C3 to Class C4 in areas where concentration is undermining community balance.   2)    Cabinet request that Officers report back with detailed findings and recommendations.   The Council has concerns regarding the cumulative impact of increasing HMO concentrations in specific areas within the District.   Residents have expressed concerns about:   ·         The erosion of established residential character ·         The incremental loss of traditional family housing ·         Pressures on local infrastructure ·         The destabilising effect of high-turnover occupancy patterns   It is therefore considered to be appropriate and necessary to examine whether the continuation of national permitted development rights in specified locations is compatible with the Council’s duty to promote balanced, stable and sustainable communities. Option 1: Take no action and retain existing permitted development arrangements, accepting that the Council would continue to have no planning control over new Class C3 to C4 changes of use.   Option 2 (Recommended): Commence immediate and focused work to develop the robust evidence base required to determine whether national permitted development rights are resulting in wholly unacceptable adverse impacts in defined areas of the District, with a view to returning to Cabinet with a proposed non-immediate Article 4 Direction if justified

Date of Decision: March 23, 2026