'We have listened to you': Lancashire borough launches immediate crackdown on new HMOs
Hyndburn Council is set to extend its controls on converting private properties into bedsits to cover the entire borough.
The authority’s Cabinet on Wednesday will be asked to approve a new immediate Article 4 Direction for the wards of Altham, Baxenden, Huncoat, Immanuel, Milnshaw, Overton and St Oswalds.
The move means that landlords must apply for full planning permission before converting a family home into a small House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) across the entire borough.
In December 2024, the authority agreed a non-immediate Article 4 Direction covering nine other wards: Barnfield; Central; Church; Clayton-le-Moors; Peel; Netherton; Rishton; Spring Hill; and St Andrews.
This comes into effect on March 15.
HMOs are homes where at least three people who aren’t from the same household rent a space and share facilities like bathrooms and kitchens.
The proposed extension follows residents sharing concerns about the rising number of HMOs in certain areas and the impact this can have on communities.
Further research has been carried out across the borough which shows that these remaining wards would benefit from the same protections as the initial nine wards.
Despite the immediate nature of the direction, which means permitted development rights will be withdrawn straight away, the council is still obligated to carry out local consultation before the it is confirmed.
Cllr Munsif Dad, leader of the council said: “At the moment, the Council has very limited control over smaller HMOs because national rules, called permitted development rights, allow a normal family home to be turned into a shared house for up to six people without planning permission.
“This means we often don’t find out about a change until after it has happened, and we cannot consider things like parking, noise, the condition of the property, or the wider impact on the neighbourhood.
“Introducing an Article 4 Direction would give the council and residents a proper say before these changes take place.
“We have listened to what local people are telling us about the importance of stable, safe and high‑quality neighbourhoods.
“HMOs have a role in providing affordable housing, but it is vital they are well managed and placed in the right locations.
“This proposal is about protecting our communities, supporting good‑quality homes and making sure residents’ voices continue to shape the future of Hyndburn.”