Planning House are happy to have secured a certificate of lawful development for use of a property as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) for students in the London Borough of Hillingdon. Our submitted evidence confirmed that the use as a C4 HMO commenced in June 2013, after an article 4 Direction came into force restricting the permitted change of use. However our client was unaware that the Article 4 Direction had come into force. More information on What is an Article 4 Direction can be found on our website.
We provided duly executed and signed tenancy agreements which spanned from June 2013 to August 2026, which confirmed there was no significant gaps in occupation. Furthermore, the Council Tax exemption demonstrated that the property has been let as student accommodation for in excess of 10 years.
The Council conclude that the evidence supplied was sufficiently precise and unambiguous to justify an approval. We demonstrated that, on the balance of probability, the use has existed and been continuous for at least a period of ten years prior to the date of this application.
We frequently encounter situations where small, unauthorised developments, like this one, delay or jeopardise property sales, as prospective buyers may be reluctant to take on the risk of possible enforcement action. Obtaining a Certificate of Lawful Development in such cases offers peace of mind and legal clarity.
Related Content:
Our FREE Practical Guides cover the basics of for Certificate of Lawful Proposed Use or Development (CLPUD) and Certificate of Lawful Existing Use or Development (CLEUD) are available on our website.
We also have specialist information relating to HMO’s for instance our Practical Guide to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) covers all the town planning basics relating to HMOs and our articles about HMO’s & Certificates of Lawful Development and Understanding the Certificate of Lawfulness Development: A Key Step in Your Planning Journey are useful if you find yourself in a similar situation to our client.
However, if you need assistance then don’t hesitate to Contact Us for a free initial consultation If you’re not sure if you need help from a Town Planner take a look at blog on When to Hire a Town Planner our download a Guide on How to Choose a Town Planner.
