Crackdown on 'explosion' of HMOs in Greater Manchester borough
Councillors in Oldham are pushing for stricter regulations on Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), requiring landlords to obtain planning permission for any HMO, regardless of size. The motion, backed by Shaw & Crompton and Failsworth independents and the Oldham Labour group, aims to address concerns over the rapid increase in HMOs, which residents claim are negatively impacting local communities. The proposal is likely to pass at the upcoming council meeting on July 16.
Crackdown on ‘Explosion’ of HMOs in Greater Manchester Borough
By Charlotte Hall, Local Democracy Reporter
*Published: 10 July 2025 • 10:21
Councillors in Oldham have launched a bid to tighten controls over houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) after residents warned parts of the borough are being “flooded” by shared homes they claim are eroding community life.
A motion backed by the Shaw & Crompton Independents and the wider Oldham Labour group will be debated at a full council meeting on Wednesday (16 July). If passed, it would urge the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to lobby central government for new powers that would:
- Require planning permission for any new HMO, regardless of size
- Cap the total number of HMOs in a single street or neighbourhood
- Refuse applications where more than 10% of homes on a street already house multiple occupants
Current rules
At present, only HMOs with six or more unrelated tenants must secure planning permission. Smaller shared houses can open without oversight, making it almost impossible for councils to track their spread.
Local impact
Campaigners in Shaw and Failsworth say streets have lost family homes to “piecemeal conversions” that create sub-standard rooms, pressure on parking and refuse collections, and transient populations who have little stake in neighbourhood activities.
A recent protest outside the former Shaw & Crompton health centre—earmarked for a 22-bed complex—saw residents chant:
> “Save our streets, stop the squeeze, families need homes, not HMOs!”
Political support
Councillor Marc Hince, who tabled the motion, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service:
> “The explosion of HMOs is a massive concern. It’s symptom of the housing crisis, but one we can manage if Whitehall gives us the tools.”
Next steps
Even if the council votes for the motion, primary legislation would be required to alter national permitted-development rights. Council leader Amanda Chadderton said cross-party backing sent a “clear message” to ministers, but admitted:
> “This is the start of a longer campaign. We need MPs across Greater Manchester to take our case to Parliament.”
Across the region
Article 4 Directions—which remove permitted-development rights—already cover parts of Manchester, Salford, Bolton and Trafford. Housing analysts say a consistent policy across all ten boroughs would prevent “planning-shopping” by developers seeking the easiest path.
What happens next?
Wednesday’s debate is expected to approve the motion. A GMCA working group would then draft detailed proposals for government, with a response promised within six months.
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