Landlords looking to convert their properties into houses of multiple occupation (HMO) will now need planning permission from Wigan council amid concerns about rising numbers of shared houses.
Stricter rules will be enforced in the Swinley area of Wigan and central Leigh following complaints about a HMO’s impact on parking, noise and an area’s character.
There are currently 105 known HMOs in the borough, with 30 in Swinley and 24 in the centre of Leigh.
Previously a change of use from a house to large HMO - capable of housing six people - needed planning consent, but a small HMO - for between three and six people - did not.
But from today (January 20) all HMOs will now need to go through the local authority’s planning system.
Coun Paul Prescott, cabinet member for planning, environment and transport, said: “This new direction will give us more opportunities to manage the development and quality of HMOs in the two areas where they are most prevalent.
“We appreciate that HMOs provide a form of low-cost, flexible housing, particularly for younger people and those on lower incomes, but there are concerns associated when the number of HMOs is increasing in a concentrated area.
“Such concerns include the impact on parking provision, excess noise, impact on the physical environment and changes to the character of a residential area.”
The new policy was formally approved by Wigan council’s cabinet in October. When put to residents in a formal consultation, the plans received 73 letters of support.
New guidance aimed at helping developers and landlords understand the new policy, which came into force on January 20, is currently being drawn up by the council.
It will also ensure that the proposed HMOs provide ‘quality accommodations whilst mitigating the impact on existing residents’, according to Coun Prescott.
He added: “The new approach to HMOs in these two areas, along with the launch of the council's Ethical Lettings Agency, will ensure that we can work closely with housing colleagues and the private rented sector to ensure quality, affordable homes for all.”
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news. We are also on Instagram .
If you are on the go, the M.E.N. app helps bring you closer to the latest news where you live. Available on iPhone and Android , the app can be tailor-made to bring you the latest on what matters to you.
Breaking news, the latest on your football club, the pick of the week’s events and the latest travel - you can tailor the app to suit you. Our push notifications help highlight the biggest stories to you first.
