WARRINGTON Borough Council is moving forward with stronger controls on Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), giving the local authority greater powers to manage their expansion and protect local communities.
An “Article 4 Direction” would remove automatic conversion rights, meaning landlords will need planning permission before converting family homes into HMOs. This will allow the council to properly assess each proposal and prevent over-concentration.
Last Autumn, an ‘Article 4 Direction’ was proposed for the borough’s six central wards – Orford, Poplars and Hulme, Fairfield and Howley, Latchford East, Latchford West and Bewsey and Whitecross. These areas were initially identified because evidence shows they have the highest prevalence of HMOs.
The council has now announced it intends to expand these controls to cover the rest of the borough, giving communities the same level of protection wherever they live. The Direction, if approved, will apply from September.
These changes reflect the council’s commitment to managing HMO growth and over-concentration in a way that protects existing communities, addressing issues such as parking pressure, noise, and the character of neighbourhoods.
The council is also consulting on a new Draft HMO Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) setting clear standards for HMOs, including space, facilities, and management. This consultation is what enables the council to bring the policy into force and use it in planning decisions.
Cllr John Kerr-Brown, cabinet member for planning policy and development, said: “Residents have been clear. In some areas, there are simply too many HMOs concentrated in the same streets, and it’s having a real impact on parking, noise, and the character of our neighbourhoods.
“We’ve listened, and we’re stepping in. These changes give us the legal powers to control new HMO conversions, prevent over-concentration, and make sure new housing works for the people already living there.
“Well-managed HMOs still have a role to play in our housing mix, but they must be safe, in the right places and at the right scale.
“We won’t accept a free-for-all where communities are left to deal with the consequences.
“This is about restoring that balance, putting residents’ concerns at the centre of our decisions, and taking control of how our neighbourhoods change.”
Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the ongoing SPD consultation – which runs until April 24. Further updates regarding the cabinet’s decision on the boroughwide Article 4 extension will be released in the coming months.
