Bootle, Litherland, Seaforth, Waterloo and Southport
On 20th September 2017 the Council issued a ‘non-immediate’ Article 4 direction for HMOs in parts of Bootle, Litherland, Seaforth, Waterloo and Southport. The direction removes permitted development rights for the change of use from a use falling within Class C3 (dwellinghouse) to a use falling within Class C4 (Houses of Multiple Occupation).
The Article 4 Direction was confirmed by Cabinet on 21 June 2018. The Article 4 will be effective from 20 September 2018.
A copy of the Direction, a map defining the areas covered, the supporting evidence for the making of the article 4 direction and confirmation notice can be viewed below.
| Article 4 Direction |  (pdf 1MB) |
| Map to which the Article 4 Direction applies (Southport) | (pdf 6.61MB) |
| Map to which the Article 4 Direction applies (Bootle, Seaforth, Litherland and Waterloo) | (pdf 7.24MB) |
| Supporting evidence for making the Article 4 Direction | (pdf 6.02MB) |
| Notice Confirming Article 4 | (pdf 187KB) |
Aintree
The Council have implemented an Immediate Article 4 Direction in the Aintree area to remove permitted development rights from houses to Homes in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). This was considered at Cabinet on 19th June 2025. The Article 4 Direction was made on Wednesday 2nd July 2025 and comes into force immediately.
Comments on the Article 4 Direction can be made in writing to Planning Services Magdalen House 30 Trinity Road Bootle L20 3NJ from 3rd July 2025 to 8th August 2025. Alternatively, representations can be sent by email to local.plan@sefton.gov.uk.