Landlords in Warrington hoping to convert family homes into HMOs could soon face tougher planning restrictions.

The council proposed an Article 4 Direction last September for the central six wards of Orford, Poplars and Hulme, Fairfield and Howley, Latchford East, Latchford West and Bewsey and Whitecross – which all have the highest prevalence of HMOs.

However, it has now decided to expand these controls across the rest of the borough to ensure that HMOs aren’t simply displaced. If approved, the new Direction will apply from September.

Automatic

This would remove automatic conversion rights and allow the authority to properly assess each proposal and prevent over-concentration, providing greater clarity for applicants, residents and the council in its decision-making and monitoring processes.

Councillor John Kerr-Brown, cabinet member for planning policy and development, says in some areas, residents report that there are simply too many HMOs concentrated in the same streets, which is having a real impact on parking, noise, and neighbourhoods.

Listened

“We’ve listened, and we’re stepping in,” says Kerr-Brown. “We won’t accept a free-for-all where communities are left to deal with the consequences. This is about restoring that balance, putting residents’ concerns at the centre of our decisions, and taking control of how our neighbourhoods change.”

According to the council, these changes reflect its commitment to managing HMO growth and over-concentration in a way that protects existing communities, addressing issues such as parking pressure, noise, and the character of neighbourhoods.

The council is consulting on a draft HMO supplementary planning document that sets out clear standards for HMOs, including space, facilities, and management. Landlords are being encouraged to add their comments, although they only have until Friday (24th April).

There are currently 254 licensed HMOs in Warrington.

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