Telford & Wrekin to require planning permission for new HMOs

Telford and Wrekin Council has confirmed it will introduce an Article 4 Direction from February 2027. The council says this will mean planning permission is required for all new HMOs in the borough, giving it more control over where shared homes are created.

Separately, its proposal for additional licensing of smaller HMOs has been paused following a legal challenge from landlords. The council says it will look at the position again in 2027.

The council also says landlords in the West Midlands will be among the first required to register their rented properties under the new national system from December.

This affects landlords in the Telford and Wrekin borough (England) who plan to convert a property into an HMO after the Article 4 Direction takes effect in February 2027. Once it applies, planning permission will be required for new HMOs in the area, in addition to any existing HMO licensing requirements.

The pause on additional licensing for smaller HMOs means no new licensing obligations apply in Telford and Wrekin for now, but the council intends to revisit this in 2027.

• If you are planning to create a new HMO in Telford and Wrekin, check the timing against the February 2027 start date for the Article 4 Direction.
• Check with the council or a planning consultant whether your specific property or conversion will need planning permission once the change takes effect.
• Keep an eye on the council's 2027 review of additional licensing for smaller HMOs, as this could still be introduced.
• Check with a solicitor if you have an HMO conversion in progress or planned close to the February 2027 date.