PLANS to introduce stronger controls on Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), across the borough were last night approved by Warrington Borough Council’s cabinet.
Cabinet members gave the go-ahead to introduce a borough-wide ‘Article 4 Direction’, which will come into force before the end of September 2026. It provides the local authority with greater powers to manage the expansion of HMOs and protect neighbourhoods.
This legal measure removes automatic conversion rights, meaning landlords will now be required to secure full planning permission before turning a family home into an HMO. This allows the council to properly assess every proposal and prevent an over-concentration of these properties in any single area.
The move expands on proposals from last autumn, which initially targeted the Central 6 wards – Orford, Poplars and Hulme, Fairfield and Howley, Latchford East, Latchford West, and Bewsey and Whitecross – chosen due to a high prevalence of HMOs. By extending the Article 4 Direction to the rest of Warrington, the council aims to ensure that all communities receive the same level of protection, regardless of where they live.
Alongside these powers, the Cabinet has approved the adoption of a new HMO Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). Shaped by feedback from a public consultation, the SPD sets out clear standards for HMOs, including minimum requirements for living space and facilities.
It provides detailed guidance for homeowners, operators, architects, and planning agents, while offering local residents a clear framework to understand how the planning system manages issues like “clustering” and property numbers.
Warrington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for planning policy and development, Cllr John Kerr-Brown, said: “These changes reflect our firm commitment to managing HMO growth in a responsible way that protects the character of our neighbourhoods.
“While we recognise that HMOs can provide a valuable housing option for many, we know that an over-concentration of these properties can place significant pressure on local communities, often leading to increased concerns around parking, noise, and the overall balance of our streets.
“These stronger, borough-wide controls will ensure that all residents receive the same level of protection. Along with our new SPD, it will give us the tools we need to thoroughly assess each application, prevent unfair clustering, and ensure that any new developments meet high standards of quality and space. This balanced approach will help us build stronger, more sustainable communities across the whole of Warrington.”
