Letting agents and landlords in Lancashire are facing even more restrictions after Burnley Council (pictured) revealed it was considering tightening the planning rules around converting properties into Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO).

A report to its executive recommends removing what are known as permitted development rights which currently allow a single dwelling house to be changed into a small HMO without planning permission.

PLANNING PERMISSION

Currently a single dwelling can be converted into an HMO for between three and six people without the need for planning permission.

Under the proposals put forward by the council, anyone wanting to do that would have to submit a planning application. Larger HMOs are already subject to planning permission.

Councillor John Harbour, Burnley Council executive member for housing and leisure, says: “There is an increasing number of HMOs in certain parts of our borough and this can lead to issues such as anti-social behaviour and crime and increased pressures on parking.

“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.”

“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.”

CONSULTATION

The proposals will be subject to six weeks of public consultation. Further details of this consultation will be publicised in the coming weeks.

If confirmed, the new arrangement is set to come into operation from October 2024 to allow for the legal process to be completed.

The move would echoe those similar in other areas such as in the South West. The Neg revealed last month that Bristol City Council put forward plans within a consultation that will see all small HMOs required to be licenced within the city.