Hyndburn Council proposes new measures to control HMOs borough wide
Hyndburn Council proposes new measures to control HMOs borough wide
Hyndburn Borough Council is set to approve the introduction of a new immediate Article 4 Direction for the wards of Altham, Baxenden, Huncoat, Immanuel, Milnshaw, Overton and St Oswalds to help protect local neighbourhoods and make sure future housing is well‑planned. The Direction means that landlords must apply for planning permission before converting a family home into a small House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) across the entire borough. The decision will be taken at the Council’s Cabinet meeting on 18 March.
In December 2024, the Council agreed a non-immediate Article 4 Direction covering nine other wards. This was confirmed by Council on 17 November 2025 and comes into effect on 15 March 2026.
Councillors have been listening closely to residents who have shared concerns about the rising number of HMOs in certain areas and the impact this can have on communities. Further research has been carried out across the borough, and the evidence shows that these remaining wards would benefit from the same protections as the other nine wards.
While HMOs provide much‑needed accommodation for young workers, low‑income households and people needing temporary support, the Council wants to make sure these homes are created in suitable locations and meet proper standards. Requiring planning permission would give the Council and local residents a clearer voice in shaping future development and maintaining a good mix of housing.
Despite the immediate nature of the Direction, which means permitted development rights will be withdrawn straight away, the Council is still obligated to carry out local consultation in accordance with Sections 107 and 108 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 before the Direction is confirmed.
Councillor Munsif Dad, Leader of the Council said:
“At the moment, the Council has very limited control over smaller HMOs because national rules, called permitted development rights, allow a normal family home to be turned into a shared house for up to six people without planning permission. This means we often don’t find out about a change until after it has happened, and we cannot consider things like 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.
We have listened to what local people are telling us about the importance of stable, safe and high‑quality neighbourhoods. HMOs have a role in providing affordable housing, but it is vital they are well managed and placed in the right locations. This proposal is about protecting our communities, supporting good‑quality homes and making sure residents’ voices continue to shape the future of Hyndburn.”