Another council wants to use planning controls to limit small HMOs with three and six occupants.

North Warwickshire council wants to introduce a proposed Article 4 Direction that would remove permitted development rights for small HMOs across the borough. Aconsultation will run until December 18.

A council spokesperson says: “We want to make sure all types of housing in North Warwickshire are well managed and in the right places. 

“This Article 4 Direction will help the council keep a better balance of homes across the borough by requiring planning permission before a house can be turned into a small HMO. 

“It’s not a ban on shared housing, but a way to make sure proposals are properly considered so we can avoid too many in one area and maintain good standards for residents and communities.”

The Article 4 Direction complements existing initiatives such as the HMO licensing scheme, which already requires properties with more than five occupants to be licensed.