Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by The Negotiator. Read the original article for full details.

Burnley Council Proposes Borough-Wide HMO Planning Restrictions

Burnley Council has announced plans to extend tighter planning controls on houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) to six additional wards. If implemented, these changes would require landlords across the entire borough to seek planning permission before converting properties into HMOs for three to six people.

Currently, Article 4 powers restrict permitted development rights for HMOs in certain areas of Burnley. The council is now considering expanding these powers to cover Briercliffe, Cliviger with Worsthorne, Coalclough with Deerplay, Hapton with Park, Lanehead, and Whittlefield with Ightenhill. This would mean landlords in these wards would no longer be able to convert properties into HMOs without first obtaining planning consent. Larger HMOs are already subject to planning permission requirements.

Burnley Council has stated that monitoring has shown HMOs are present in wards outside the existing Article 4 boundary. The council has cited concerns that this could lead to issues such as anti-social behaviour, crime, and increased parking pressures. The proposed changes are intended to give the council greater control over the number and location of HMOs, while still recognising the need for low-cost and flexible housing options.

The proposal is now subject to a six-week public consultation. A final decision on whether to implement the borough-wide Article 4 Direction is expected in September 2027.

These developments are particularly relevant for letting agents and inventory clerks operating in Burnley, as they may affect the process and requirements for converting and managing HMOs in the area.