Article 4 map
Every Article 4 direction area in England, on one map, from official planning data, colour-coded by what each one restricts. Only some restrict HMO conversions; many cover office-to-home conversions or smaller things like windows and extensions. Search a postcode to see whether it sits in an area and what that area restricts, or explore the map to see where the restrictions cluster. For the national picture (which councils use Article 4 most, ranked), see our Article 4 report.
Red: restricts HMO conversions. Amber: restricts commercial-to-residential conversions. Blue-grey: other rights. Zoom in past town level for exact boundaries and tap one for details. Boundaries are simplified for speed, so the postcode search gives the authoritative in or out answer.
Why this map exists
An Article 4 direction lets a council remove permitted development rights in a defined area. For investors the big one is the right to convert a family home into a small shared house, a C3 to C4 change of use. Outside an Article 4 area you can usually do that for up to six people without planning permission. Inside one, the same conversion needs a full application that can be refused. It is the quiet deal killer most buyers never check before they offer.
How to use it
- Type a postcode and press check for the authoritative answer plus the council to confirm it with.
- Zoom in past town level to see the exact red boundaries. Tap any area for its name and start date.
- Zoom out to see the coloured dots: red for HMO restrictions, amber for commercial-to-residential, blue-grey for other rights.
Found an Article 4 area over a deal you like? That is exactly the kind of thing to sanity check with people who have bought there. Ask the room in the free Housetrix Discord. For the full picture on running the numbers and the licensing that comes next, read the HMO licensing guide.
Source: Article 4 direction area dataset from Planning Data (planning.data.gov.uk), England only. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Boundaries are simplified for display. This is general information, not planning advice. Always verify a specific property with the local planning authority.