Burnley Council plans to bring in restrictions over new HMOs in a bid to deter investors who see the borough as a “high yield investment opportunity”.

The authority agreed proposals to introduce a widespread non-immediate Article 4 Direction after a report noted that there was evidence of an increase in HMOs. A report explains: “Several neighbouring councils and councils across Lancashire have in place or are introducing Article 4 Directions relating to small HMOs which will most likely put more pressure on those areas within Burnley not covered by an Article 4 Direction.”

Nine wards have been covered by a Direction since 2024, but now landlords in the remaining six - Briercliffe; Cliviger with Worsthorne; Coalclough with Deerplay; Hapton with Park; Lanehead; and Whittlefield with Ightenhill – would need permission to convert a property into a small HMO.

Evidence

Councillor Howard Baker, (pictured) executive member for housing and planning, explains that monitoring has provided evidence that HMOs are present in the wards beyond the original Article 4 boundary and that this could lead to issues such as anti-social behaviour and crime and increased pressures on parking.

“It is therefore appropriate, and timely, to propose this further Article 4 Direction” he says. “The proposal to remove permitted development rights won’t prevent HMOs being created but it will give the council more control over how many there are and where.”

Plans will be subject to a consultation and if confirmed, the new arrangement is set to start in September 2027.

Burnley Council is also consulting on plans to extend selective licensing which already covers seven areas, but the authority wants to redesignate the existing area in Burnley Wood with Healey Wood, the existing area around Leyland Road, and introduce a new selective licensing area around Lyndhurst Road.

‍