Most of the cost and risk in an HMO is decided at the design stage. In Kingswinford we start by measuring every room and checking Dudley Council's position on licensing and planning, then build the specification around it.
Because we also manage and maintain HMOs, we design with day-to-day running in mind: hard-wearing finishes, sensible storage and layouts that keep shared spaces usable.
HMO rules in Dudley Council
| Rule | Dudley Council |
|---|---|
| Mandatory HMO licence (5+ people) | In force everywhere in England |
| Additional HMO licensing | Not confirmed |
| Selective licensing | Not confirmed |
| Article 4 direction for small HMOs | In force Whole borough, since 15 September 2023 |
Checked October 2026 against Dudley Council's HMO licensing page. Schemes change, so we confirm the position for your address before any work starts.
Dudley Council has an Article 4 direction across its whole area, so turning a family house in Kingswinford into a small HMO needs planning permission. We check the planning history of the address as part of any licence work. Seven or more occupants always needs planning permission. We couldn't confirm whether Dudley Council runs additional licensing, so we check with the council for the address.
How we handle HMO planning permission work in Kingswinford
Planning for an HMO in Kingswinford starts with three questions: what the current lawful use is, whether an Article 4 direction covers the street, and what local policy says about the concentration of shared houses. We answer all three before you spend money on design.
For landlords and investors in Kingswinford and the rest of the West Midlands, we prepare planning applications and lawful development certificates, with the plans and evidence councils commonly ask for. We also explain where licensing and building regulations need a separate approval.
- Advice on Class L, C4 and sui generis routes
- Check of lawful use, Article 4 and local HMO policies
- Planning statement covering concentration, amenity, parking and bins
- Lawful development certificate applications with dated evidence
- Submission and liaison with the planning officer
HMO planning and Article 4 near Kingswinford
- Wolverhampton under a mile
- Brierley Hill 2.3 miles
- Wombourne 2.5 miles
- Stourbridge 3.1 miles
- Dudley 3.6 miles
- Sedgley 3.6 miles