In a bid to tackle increasing problems with ‘slum landlords’, Tameside Council has brought in immediate planning controls on all HMOs across the suburban Manchester borough.

The Article 4 Direction means landlords can no longer convert properties into HMOs without permission.

The crackdown comes amid a growing backlash against conversions. The day before the decision, Andrew McLaren (pictured), Deputy Leader for Growth, Housing and Homelessness, attended a heated community meeting in Dukinfield where residents were fighting a proposed HMO.

Like many others, they complained that HMOs increase traffic and noise and also  damage community spirit.

McLaren says: “This goes to the essence as to why I entered politics. This is about providing proper housing to our residents in Tameside. This is not about stigmatising residents.”

This is not about the demonisation of HMOs. This is a war on the slum landlords.”

And Councillor Stephen Homer, Executive Member for Towns, Transport and Connectivity, told the Manchester Evening News: “This is not about the demonisation of HMOs. This is a war on the slum landlords.”

Previously, only HMOs housing seven or more people needed planning consent – now all shared houses are to require approval.

Surge in conversions

The council says a surge in small conversions has left it unable to control room sizes, parking or impact on neighbours.

It is one of a number of Manchester boroughs that have been cracking down on HMOs in recent years, with Oldham the latest to introduce an Article 4 Direction.

Tameside says there are currently 188 licensed HMO properties in the borough, but concedes that it is probably just a fraction of the true total.