Crackdown on ‘explosion’ of HMOs in Oldham
Councillors in Oldham are pushing for stricter regulations on Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) to require planning permission for any HMO, regardless of size. Currently, only HMOs with six or more bedrooms need permission. The motion, backed by the Oldham Labour group, aims to address concerns about the rapid increase in HMOs, which some argue exploit vulnerable residents and degrade community assets. A protest in Shaw highlighted local opposition to a proposed 22-bed HMO. The total number of HMOs in Oldham is unclear, with 307 registered but only 59 having required planning permission.
Oldham councillors are pushing to tighten planning rules that currently let landlords convert family homes into shared houses without council approval.
Under existing regulations, Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) with fewer than six bedrooms need no planning permission. A motion tabled by Shaw & Crompton independent councillor Marc Hince and Failsworth independent councillor Neil Hindle would require landlords to seek permission for any HMO, giving planners power to refuse applications. The Labour group has endorsed the plan, all but guaranteeing its passage at the 16 July full council meeting.
Cllr Hince told members: “The explosion of HMOs is a massive concern for residents and has been a key issue for the Shaw & Crompton Independents from day one. Although our motion to implement Article 4 was blocked by the administration last year, we are now able to take this forward. This means Shaw & Crompton will no longer be an easy target for such developments.”
The call follows a protest outside the former Shaw & Crompton health centre, where developers want to create a 22-bed complex. Campaigners say the town is being “flooded” with shared housing while banks and pools close. Council records list 307 registered HMOs borough-wide, yet only 59 ever went through planning. Article 4 Directions, which remove permitted-development rights, already operate in parts of Manchester, Salford, Bolton and Trafford.
Source: Read original article