Another council has introduced new planning rules to help manage the distribution and quality of HMOs.  

Chorley council in Lancashire has introduced an Article 4 Direction with immediate effect. Anyone wanting to turn a regular house into a HMO (for three to six people who aren’t related and share facilities like kitchens or bathrooms) will need to apply for planning permission. This change applies to all areas of Chorley.  

Before now, these changes could be made without planning permission under ‘permitted development rights’. The new rule removes that automatic right so the council can look more closely at each proposal. Larger HMOs for more than six unrelated people already require planning permission. 

The council claims this change will help it keep track of HMOs, and through its licensing function, make sure they are properly managed and meet good living standards.  

Planning permission can still be granted where proposals are suitable and help meet local housing needs. 

Article 4 Direction has become an increasingly popular option for councils that feel the proliferation of HMOs has been detrimental to the housing stock and social make-up within their areas.  

A spokesperson for Chorley council says: “We want to make sure that HMOs in Chorley are safe, well-managed, and fits in with the needs of our communities.  

“This new planning rule gives us the ability to look at each proposal properly, and make sure that locally-set policies can be used to guide their development.  It’s about getting the balance right and supporting the need for single person housing while protecting the character of our neighbourhoods.