Hyndburn Council is set to extend its controls on converting homes into small HMOs across the entire borough.

The council, which is the local authority for Accrington and several other smaller conurbations to the east of Blackburn, has been urged by officers to approve the introduction of an immediate Article 4 Direction for the wards of Altham, Baxenden, Huncoat, Immanuel, Milnshaw, Overton and St Oswalds to help protect local neighbourhoods.

In December 2024, the council agreed a non-immediate Article 4 Direction covering nine other wards: Barnfield, Central, Church, Clayton-le-Moors, Netherton, Peel, Rishton, Spring Hill and St. Andrew’s. This was confirmed last November and came into effect on 15th March.

Report

A council report explains that higher than average concentrations of rented properties and HMOs may have an “unacceptable adverse impact on the socio-economic profile of these areas and as a consequence may result in families moving out and contributing to a spiral of decline”.

It adds that the main driver for the increase in HMOs appears to be the low property prices in the borough coupled with a lower wage economy, which generates higher numbers of residents seeking lower affordable rents. “This type of property provides a higher yield to owners for a lower initial input. Hyndburn continues to be one of the lowest places in the country for property prices, even though HMOs often sell, once converted, for a higher price.”

Change

Council leader Munsif Dad says it often doesn’t find out about a change until after it has happened, and can’t consider 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," he explains. "HMOs have a role in providing affordable housing, but it is vital they are well managed and placed in the right locations.”

Despite the immediate Direction, the council would still have to carry out a local consultation before it is confirmed.

It is one of many North West councils to make or extend Article 4 Directions in recent months, including Bolton, Sefton, Oldham and Bury.

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