Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Team from a report by Landlord Today. Read the original article for full details.
Burnley Council Consults on HMO Planning Rule Changes
Burnley Council has launched a six-week public consultation on proposals to tighten the planning rules around converting properties into houses of multiple occupation (HMO). The move forms part of a long-term council strategy to manage HMOs in the borough.
The consultation concerns proposals to remove permitted development rights in six wards. Those rights currently allow a single dwelling house to be changed into a small HMO without planning permission.
What the proposals mean
Permitted development rights allow certain changes of use to proceed without a full planning application. Under the council's proposals, that route would be closed in the six identified wards, meaning conversions of single dwelling houses into small HMOs in those areas would require planning permission.
The consultation is described as part of a long-term Burnley council strategy to manage HMOs in the borough. No further detail on the wards affected, the consultation end date, or the council's wider strategy was included in the source report.
Why it matters for letting agents and inventory clerks
For letting agents operating in Burnley, the outcome of the consultation could affect how landlords and investors bring small HMOs to market in the affected wards. If permitted development rights are removed, conversions that would previously have proceeded without planning permission would instead require an application, which could affect timelines and the pipeline of HMO stock in those areas.
Inventory clerks working across the borough's HMO sector may also see knock-on effects if the volume or location of HMO conversions shifts as a result of any rule change. However, the source report does not set out any projected impact on HMO numbers, timescales, or enforcement activity, and the council has provided no figures in the material available.
What happens next
The consultation is open for six weeks. The source report does not state the closing date, the names of the six wards, or when any decision would be taken. Letting agents and other interested parties in Burnley can respond to the consultation during that period.
The Property AI will update this brief if further details are published.
Source: Landlord Today