Article 4 Direction consultation - Barwell and Earl Shilton

1. Purpose of the proposal

The proposed Article 4 Direction would remove permitted development rights for changes of use from Class C3 (dwellinghouses) to Class C4 (small HMOs) within defined areas of Earl Shilton and Barwell.

Its purpose is to introduce planning control so that future HMO proposals can be assessed against local impacts, including residential amenity, parking pressures, waste management and the cumulative effect on neighbourhood balance.

The Direction would not prevent HMOs from coming forward, would not affect existing lawful HMOs, and would not apply retrospectively. It is intended to ensure that future provision is managed in a proportionate and evidence led way, reflecting the emerging growth identified in both settlements. 

2. Potential impacts on people with protected characteristics

HMOs provide an important source of accommodation for a range of households, including those who may otherwise struggle to access the housing market. The introduction of planning control may therefore have indirect impacts on some groups.

Age

HMOs are commonly occupied by younger people, including single adults and those in the early stages of employment, who rely on shared accommodation as a more affordable housing option.

Introducing planning control may influence the future distribution and concentration of HMOs in Earl Shilton and Barwell. However, the Direction does not prohibit HMOs and allows proposals to be considered on their merits.
Impact: Low, indirect
Mitigation: Continued support for appropriate HMO provision through the planning process, ensuring supply is maintained where suitable and balanced against local impacts.

Disability

Some disabled people may rely on HMOs where affordability, location, or support networks make shared accommodation appropriate.

The proposed Direction would not remove existing provision and would allow future HMOs to be considered where suitable.

Impact: Low, indirect
Mitigation: Planning decisions will continue to have regard to accessibility, individual needs and the council’s equality duties where relevant.

Sex (including women and girls)

Evidence locally highlights concerns from residents about safety, environmental conditions and the cumulative impact of high concentrations of HMOs in some locations.

Introducing planning control provides an opportunity to better manage these impacts, including addressing layout, management standards and cumulative effects.

Impact: Potential positive impact
Mitigation: Use of planning conditions and policy expectations to improve safety, design, and ongoing property management.

Race, nationality and immigration status

HMOs are occupied by people from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds and nationalities.

The proposed Direction is not targeted at any group and relates solely to the use of land for planning purposes.

Impact: Neutral
Mitigation: Clear communication that the Direction is a place-based planning control and not directed at individuals or communities.

Religion or belief

No specific impacts identified.

Impact: Neutral

Sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity

No specific impacts identified.

Impact: Neutral

Marriage and civil partnership

No specific impacts identified.

Impact: Neutral

3. Socioeconomic considerations

While not a protected characteristic, socioeconomic factors are relevant in understanding the potential effects.

HMOs play a role in providing lower-cost accommodation in Earl Shilton and Barwell, particularly for single people and those on lower incomes. The proposed Direction does not remove this option but ensures that future provision is appropriately located and managed.

The approach reflects the need to balance housing availability with the increasing evidence of cumulative impacts identified through local monitoring. 

4. Consultation evidence

The proposal is informed by officer monitoring across planning, council tax, licensing, housing standards and enforcement activity, which identifies a growing and increasingly complex pattern of HMO provision in both settlements. 

Public consultation will form a key part of the process, enabling residents, landlords and other stakeholders to provide feedback on:

• The principle of additional planning control
• The proposed geographical boundaries
• Local experience of impacts and priorities for mitigation

This will ensure that a full range of community perspectives, including those from individuals with protected characteristics, are taken into account.

5. Overall assessment

The proposed Article 4 Direction is not expected to have any direct discriminatory impact on people with protected characteristics.

Any potential impacts are:

• Indirect and limited, relating to how future HMOs are distributed rather than whether they can be provided
• Proportionate, given the evidence of cumulative impacts in specific areas
• Mitigated, as: 
  • Existing HMOs are unaffected
  • HMOs are not prohibited
  • Applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis
  • Equality considerations remain part of planning decision-making

Overall, the Direction is considered to have a neutral to mildly positive equality impact, particularly in relation to improving residential amenity, environmental conditions and community wellbeing.

6. Conclusion

The proposed Article 4 Direction for Earl Shilton and Barwell is considered compatible with the Council’s Public Sector Equality Duty.

It represents a proportionate response to emerging local evidence and provides a balanced approach between:

• Supporting access to housing, including shared accommodation
• Managing the cumulative impacts of HMO growth on existing communities

The consultation process will provide a further opportunity to test and refine this assessment before any final decision is made.

Last updated: 21/05/2026 12:35