Hyndburn Borough has more than 500 properties being used as bedsit accommodation.

The figures was revealed by its council leaded Cllr Munsif Dad as the authority’s ruling cabinet voted to extend planning controls on converting private homes into House in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) to cover the entire borough.

The meeting on Wednesday approved a new immediate Article 4 Direction for the wards of Altham, Baxenden, Huncoat, Immanuel, Milnshaw, Overton and St Oswalds.

placeholder image — Cllr Munsif Dad | Via LDRS

The move means that landlords must apply for full planning permission before converting a family home into a small 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.

Cllr Dad said: “As of February 2026, it is estimated that there are approximately 502 HMOs in the Borough.

“Since the decision in 2024 to make a limited Article 4 Direction in 9 wards in the Borough, work has been ongoing to try and identify HMOs.

“Though there is a concentration of smaller HMOs within the central urban areas, there are smaller HMOs in all wards in the borough.

“HMOs have a role in providing affordable housing, but it is vital they are well-managed and placed in the right locations.

“Large areas of the Borough still suffer from high levels of deprivation.

“At a time when corporate policies are seeking to improve the quality of housing across Hyndburn, there is a concern that the uncontrolled development of HMOs in these areas will serve to lower the quality of housing and only serve to increase the social problems experienced in these areas.

“The main driver for the increase in HMOs appears to be the low property prices in the borough.”

Conservative group opposition leader Cllr Zak Khan said: “We welcome this.

“We have been pushing for this.”

He said it gave the council control of where HMOs were located adding applications for bedsits was always big issue residents.

Cllr Dad replied: “When you were in control of the council you could have done this but you did not do it.”

Town centres boss Cllr Clare Pritchard said: “This is really welcome.

“My Peel ward has been absolutely battered by HMO applications.”