Following a public consultation, on 12 August Hertsmere Borough Council legally implemented proposals to introduce additional planning controls for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in the form of an Article 4 Direction for Potters Bar. This has now been sealed and approved and will take effect from 6 May 2027.
Residents, landlords, and other interested parties were invited to have their say on the potential article 4 direction for Potters Bar in April 2026. The consultation asked for views on development that covered small HMOs and the potential to grant planning permission for such development.
Following consultation and a decision to implement the article 4 direction in the Potters Bar area, this now means that planning permission will be required before a family home can be converted into a small HMO in the four wards of Potters Bar.
The consultation has now closed, and the council has taken the decision to proceed with an article 4 direction which becomes effective on the 06 May 2027 - this covers the four wards of Potters Bar.
The proposed changes will give the council greater oversight of the development of HMOs and ensures there is oversight on the potential impact on local neighbourhoods. The direction provides that this type of development is properly considered through the planning process.
Cllr Nik Oakley, Portfolio Holder for Planning, Infrastructure and Transport said:
“Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond to our consultation. It is important that local residents have the opportunity to help shape decisions which affect their neighbourhoods.”