Major council proposes tighter HMO rules for landlords

Landlords in Burnley could be facing new restrictions on houses in multiple occupation (HMO).

Burnley Council has revealed that it is considering tightening the planning rules around converting properties into HMOs to an additional six wards in the borough.

If confirmed, it would mean the whole borough is covered by Article 4 powers, meaning landlords can no longer benefit from permitted development rights in the area.

There has always been a commitment to monitor the number of HMOs.”

They would instead need to apply for planning permission if they want to convert a home to an HMO across Burnley.

The changes would apply to landlords seeking to convert properties in Briercliffe, Cliviger with Worsthorne, Coalclough with Deerplay, Hapton with Park, Lanehead and Whittlefield with Ightenhill into HMOs for between three and six people.

Larger HMOs are already subject to planning permission.

Anti-social behaviour concerns

Councillor Howard Baker, executive member for housing and planning at Burnley Council, says: “There has always been a commitment to monitor the number of HMOs in the wards outside of the boundary of the Article 4 Direction which came into force in 2024.

“Our monitoring provided evidence that HMOs are present in the wards beyond the original Article 4 boundary and this could lead to issues such as anti-social behaviour and crime and increased pressures on parking. It is therefore appropriate, and timely, to propose this further Article 4 Direction.

“HMOs can also meet a need for low-cost and flexible housing, particularly for young people and those on low incomes. But we need to get the balance right, so I welcome this report setting out the issues.”

He adds that 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 proposals are subject to six weeks of public consultation and a decision will be made in September 2027.