Clampdown on HMOs - another consultation process underway

A prominent north of England council has launched a six-week public consultation on proposals to tighten the planning rules around converting properties into HMOs.

Burnley council is considering removing what are known as permitted development rights which currently allow a single dwelling house to be changed into a small HMO without planning permission.

Currently a single dwelling can be converted into an HMO for between three and six people without the need for planning permission. Under the proposals put forward by the council, anyone wanting to do that would have to submit a planning application. Larger HMOs are already subject to planning permission.

Councillor John Harbour, executive member for housing and leisure, says: “I would encourage anyone with an interest in this issue to take part in this consultation. We want to hear all views to help us take an informed decision.

“The proposal to remove permitted development rights won’t prevent HMOs being created but it will give the council more control over how many there are and where.”

The consultation will end on November 24.

A report will be taken to the council’s executive in spring 2024 to consider the comments received and decide whether to confirm the proposal.

If confirmed, the new arrangement is set to come into operation from October 2024 to allow for the legal process to be completed.

More information on the proposals can be found here.

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