Lancashire council gets tough on HMOs - here's what it means for landlords

Landlords in Ribble Valley are being advised of new planning rules for HMOs (houses of multiple occupation).

Ribble Valley Borough Council has introduced the new rules this week to help manage the distribution and quality of HMOs across the borough.

The decision, approved by the council’s Planning and Development Committee, means that an ‘Article 4 direction’ is now in force.

What does it mean?

It means that anyone who wants to turn a regular house in Ribble Valley into an HMO for between three and six unrelated people sharing a kitchen or bathroom now needs to apply for planning permission.

Previously, these changes could be made without planning permission under ‘permitted development rights’.

The new directive has removed that right, which will enable the council to ensure each HMO is properly managed and offers good living standards.

It also means future planning policies, including the Local Plan, will automatically apply to small HMOs, which did not previously need planning permission.

And planning permission will only be granted when the HMO is suitable and meets local housing needs.

How to have your say

Although the directive has come into force immediately, it is subject to a 21-day statutory consultation and all comments will be considered before it is rubber-stamped.

You can send your views to [email protected] by 5pm on Friday September 18.

You can also view a copy of the directive at Council Offices, Church Walk, Clitheroe, Lancashire, BB7 2RA, between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Read more about these changes at Article 4 Direction – Ribble Valley Borough Council.