Burnley Council is set to get tougher on landlords converting the town’s properties into HMOs.

Following a six-week public consultation, it is recommending that councillors agree the removal of permitted development rights which allow homes to be changed into a small HMO – for between three and six people - without planning permission.

The results of last year’s consultation found that 85% of those who responded either supported the proposals or made no comment.

If the Article 4 direction is approved by the executive, additional controls would cover wards with the highest number of HMOs in the borough: Bank Hall, Brunshaw, Daneshouse with Stoneyholme, Gannow, Gawthorpe, Queensgate, Rosehill with Burnley Wood, Rosegrove with Lowerhouse and Trinity.

A Burnley Council spokesman says the proposal won’t prevent HMOs being created but it will give it more control over how many there are and where.

Low-cost

He adds: “While HMOs can provide a form of low-cost housing, particularly for younger people, those on low incomes and for those with short-term housing requirements, we also recognise that they can in some cases have a detrimental impact on neighbours and wider communities. This move will help a balanced approach and help address some of the concerns related to HMOs.”

The authority has previously explained that its selective licensing scheme can’t address the issue of over-concentrations of HMOs while it recognises that particularly high rental yields of more than 7% make the town an attractive investment opportunity for property developers.

If confirmed, the Article 4 direction is set to take effect in October.