The Hillingdon Council meeting scheduled for 27 November 2025 included discussion of the annual performance report, a review of polling districts and places, and a proposed Article 4 direction regarding houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). Councillors were also expected to answer questions from the public and consider motions.

Proposed Article 4 Direction

The council was scheduled to consider a report recommending a new immediate Article 4 Direction, which would remove permitted development rights for converting dwelling houses (Use Class C3) into small Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) for up to six residents (Use Class C4) across the borough.

The report notes that the council's existing part-borough Article 4 Direction for HMOs, covering the former Brunel and Uxbridge South wards, would be cancelled once the new direction is confirmed.

The report stated that the reasons for the recommendation were:

• To mitigate the impacts of HMOs by requiring proposals for changes of use from class C3 to class C4 within the designated area to apply to the local planning authority for planning permission.
• To meet the requirements of Schedule 3 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 in respect of the procedure for article 4(1) directions with immediate effect.
• To avoid duplication across Article 4 Directions, as the borough-wide immediate direction will cover these areas.

The report also stated that since 2011, the number of private rented properties has increased by over 50%, leading to a significant corresponding rise in smaller HMOs. It notes that HMOs require proper management, as poor maintenance can result in unsuitable housing and harm to the amenity, affecting both residents and the wider neighbourhood.