HMO Conversions in Bassetlaw
Bassetlaw have announced that they want to bring a further Article 4 direction for parts of Worksop and Retford.
On 29 May 2026, two Article 4(1) Directions were made to withdraw permitted development rights for changing homes to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) for 3-6 people.
Parts of Worksop and Retford would be covered, with amendments made to the existing Worksop Central Area Article 4 direction, while creating a new one covering the Retford Station area. This would mean that any change of use from a family home to a small HMO would need planning permission.
Steve Scotthorne, Bassetlaw's cabinet member for identity, planning and place, says an over concentration of HMOs can have a negative impact on the community’s quality of life.
“Over the past few years, we have seen an increase in HMOs in some areas of Worksop and Retford, with some residents expressing concern about the impact on their neighbourhoods,” Scotthorne explains.
Bassetlaw believes the proposed directions would give greater control over the number and location of HMOs in each area, as well as providing greater transparency, clarity and certainty to developers and communities about how they will be managed.
The council consultation closes on 13th July.
The plans will now be subject to consultation, which is scheduled to take place between 1st June and 13th July 2026, and will only come into force if confirmed by the Planning Committee within two years. Further information is available on the Council’s website.
Send comments to Planningpolicy@bassetlaw.gov.uk or by post to Planning Policy Team, Bassetlaw District Council, Queens Buildings, Potter Street, Worksop, Nottinghamshire, S80 2AH.
Any representations must be made by 5.00pm on 13 July 2026.
An Article 4 Direction was confirmed for Worksop Central in June 2020 to manage HMOs. If the new Article 4 Direction is confirmed, the 2020 Direction would need to be cancelled. Until that happens the 2020 Article 4 Direction remains in operation.
