Article 4 Direction in Southwark

Yes — Article 4 for HMOs borough-wide; additional Article 4 for office-to-residential in Bermondsey and Elephant & Castle.

Article 4 removes specific Permitted Development rights — typically the right to convert a single dwelling (C3) to an HMO (C4), or office (B1) to residential (C3), without full planning permission. The right is removed only where the Direction applies.

Yes. Article 4 in most London boroughs targets HMO conversions and office-to-residential, not householder extensions. Standard rear extensions and loft conversions remain available under Permitted Development unless your property is in a conservation area or is listed.

Check the planning portal at Southwark Council or call us — we look up the Article 4 status for your specific address before quoting.

If Article 4 applies and you build without planning, you face enforcement action: a retrospective application, a stop notice, or in serious cases an enforcement notice requiring reversal. Always check before starting.