Bolton Council has agreed tough new rules to control HMO conversions – two years after first coming up with the idea.
Cabinet members have approved an Article 4 Direction, requiring all HMOs, regardless of size, to have planning approval. Landlords who start an HMO conversion without consent could now be ordered to pay for restorative work out of their own pocket.
The move comes after a significant increase in HMO conversions in Bolton in recent years, prompted by a raft of planning applications to convert former pubs and larger family homes which proved controversial in the town.
However, the authority – which also operates an additional licensing scheme for HMO landlords - first revealed its intention to begin a coordinated campaign to rein-in the creation of more shared homes back in August 2023.
This is despite a vociferous local campaign against the growing number of HMOs in the town and in particular Horwich on its north-western outskirts. Bolton council's own data shows the number of HMOs has risen from 170 to 720 in recent years.
And campaigner Deborah Atherton told the BBC recently that many in Horwich feel laws allowing homes to be divided up among six residents or fewer without planning permission show "total disregard" for the feelings of local people.
Although it says the Article 4 rule takes place with immediate effect, it is still asking landlords to register their views here before the closing date of 25th July.
By ensuring all HMO are subject to the planning process, the new rule will give residents the opportunity to object to any proposed conversions in their area, says deputy leader, councillor Akhtar Zaman (pictured).
“Uncontrolled HMOs have caused some concerns within local communities, and the new planning rules have the overwhelming support of council members,” he explains.
“Multiple occupation household have their place in our society and are welcomed as controlled developments, provided they have planning approval which assess the suitability and potential impacts of the accommodation in the local areas.”
Bolton Council’s planning service offers pre-application advice to establish whether applications are likely to be acceptable, and can be submitted online here.
Tags:
Comments