Hyndburn Council Starts Public Consultation on HMOs and Children’s Care Homes
Hyndburn Council Starts Public Consultation on HMOs and Children’s Care Homes
Hyndburn Council is launching two public consultations to get feedback on the proposed implementation of an Article 4 Direction, a planning tool used by local authorities to restrict certain permitted development rights, and Supplementary Planning Guidance relating to houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and children’s care homes.
The measures are being introduced in response to the rise in the number of HMOs and planning applications for Children’s Care Homes over the past 18 months. Residents and stakeholders are being invited to provide their views.
A report approved by the Council’s Cabinet in December 2024 showed a notable rise in objections from neighbouring residents about the impact of high numbers of HMOs and children’s homes on local communities. These concerns highlight the need for a balanced approach to housing development that fits with the Council’s Corporate Strategy and the Hyndburn Core Strategy.
Councillor Munsif Dad, Leader of the Council, welcomed the public consultation. He said:
“We know it’s important to offer a variety of good quality housing in Hyndburn. But we also need to control the growth of HMOs to prevent negative effects on our communities. This consultation is a key step in making sure our housing policies meet the needs of our residents.
Despite the benefits that HMOs can offer, such as providing affordable accommodation for young professionals and low-income households, there are concerns that too many HMOs can lower housing quality and create social problems. The Council is committed to improving housing quality in Hyndburn and addressing issues related to HMOs.”
In 2010 the Government introduced permitted development rights to allow the change of use of dwelling houses to the new C4 use (small HMOs occupied by 5 people or less) without the requirement of planning permission. The Article 4 Direction, which would come into force from 15 March 2026, would require planning permission to be sought for this change of use in 9 wards in the Borough. By requiring operators to apply for planning permission for the formation of small HMOs in certain wards, the Council’s is able to ensure that such provision is established in appropriate properties in suitable locations.
The HMO SPG has also been produced to better manage the provision of HMOs throughout the Borough, improve the standards of the accommodation that is provided and reduce detrimental impact on the amenity of the local communities through the planning application process.
The Children’s Homes SPG aims to ensure local care needs are met. It sets out policies to make sure proposed children’s homes meet local needs and site-specific requirements, including suitable locations, appropriate property sizes, enough off-street parking, and avoiding clusters of children’s care homes in certain areas.
According to the Ofsted Register of Children’s Homes, only 16% of agency children’s homes beds in Lancashire were used for local children as of March 2024. In Hyndburn, private agencies dominate the market, with all 34 applications for new children’s homes between 2020 and 2024 submitted by private providers. Lancashire County Council has raised concerns about the high number of children from outside the county being placed in Lancashire, which has the highest number of such placements in the country.
Councillor Munsif Dad added:
“Planning applications to convert residential homes into children’s care homes have been on the rise which I know has caused concerns to residents in nearby properties. The draft Supplementary Planning Guidance on Children’s Care Homes, if adopted, would help determine planning applications of this nature going forward. I’d urge all residents to read through the proposals and respond to the consultation.”
The public consultation on both the Article 4 Direction and SPGs will run from Friday 21 March to Friday 2 May 2025. We encourage residents to take part and share their views.
Specifically, residents are asked to provide their views on the following:
The evidence base document supporting the need for an Article 4 Direction that would remove permitted development rights for HMOs in 9 wards in Hyndburn.
Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance on Houses in Multiple Occupation that would be used to help determine planning applications for Houses in Multiple Occupation
Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance on Children’s Care Homes that would be used to help determine planning applications for Children’s Care Homes.
For more information on the Article 4 Direction public consultation and to submit your feedback, please visit Conservation Areas in Hyndburn – Article 4 Directions and Heritage – Hyndburn Borough Council.
Details regarding the SPG consultations can also be found on the Council’s website at Planning Policy in Hyndburn – Hyndburn Borough Council.