I bought a property which was a former HMO, and lived in it alone for some years. Now I wish to change it back into a HMO again.
According to Bristol Council's website, regarding where I live, "A permitted development right within these areas has been removed from 11 December 2011. You need a planning application for a change of use between a dwelling house (Use Class C3) and a small House in Multiple Occupation (Use Class C4)."
It's unclear if my house class is already C4, having previously been a HMO, or if I need to send an application because it would have reverted. The council were unable to offer any assistance when I contacted them.
I would like to know if this is something that can easily be done myself, or if it is better to consult an expert. I appreciate that posting on the site of an expert consultancy may not give a unbiased response, but if it is a complex thing to do and/or the cost of managing an application if necessary is not expensive then I will look into it.
There is also no way of gauging of such an application is likely to be accepted, such as the council's appetite. There is a severe shortage of housing, and the neighbouring property is registered as a HMO, although there are no others in the area. The row of houses I live on are all built specifically with the intention of being used as HMOs as shown by their layout and number of toilets.
Many thanks.
