Another council is threatening a planning clampdown on HMOs.

Warrington council’s Cabinet has approved plans to request an Article 4 direction on Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

The Labour-dominated authority wants ga borough-wide direction, which will come into force before the end of September this year. 

It provides the local authority with greater powers to manage the expansion of HMOs by insisting new ones seek planning consent.

The move expands on proposals from last autumn, which initially targeted six wards. 

By extending the direction to the rest of Warrington, the council says it aims to ensure that all communities receive the same level of protection, regardless of where they live.

Alongside these powers, the Cabinet has approved the adoption of a new HMO Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). 

This provides detailed guidance for any HMO application in future.

A council spokesperson says: “While we recognise that HMOs can provide a valuable housing option for many, we know that an over-concentration of these properties can place significant pressure on local communities, often leading to increased concerns around parking, noise, and the overall balance of our streets.  

“These stronger, borough-wide controls will ensure that all residents receive the same level of protection. 

“Along with our new SPD, it will give us the tools we need to thoroughly assess each application, prevent unfair clustering, and ensure that any new developments meet high standards of quality and space. 

“This balanced approach will help us build stronger, more sustainable communities across the whole of Warrington.”