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14/7/25 8:13 pm
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Landlords in Oldham will soon need planning permission for small HMO conversions for up to six people.
Oldham Council has introduced a non-immediate Article 4 Direction which, if approved after a consultation, will come into effect on 1st January 2026.
The council points to nearby Wigan and Salford Councils, both of which are extending the coverage of their Article 4 Directions to a broader area. It says these authorities have reported that previously restricting HMO development in specific areas has led to an increase in HMO development in other areas.
Bolton Council, Manchester Council and Trafford Council are also extending directions. Oldham Council’s report explains that their actions and the proliferation of HMOs across the town means a borough-wide Article 4 Direction is appropriate.
There are estimated to be 384 HMOs in Oldham - a 4% increase from 2023 and a 25% increase from 2020. The authority says 185 of these have been changed from a single family home to an HMO. “While this does not always equate to a loss of a residential unit, it could mean the loss of a family home into smaller, single occupation uses…the units of individual accommodation that are created could be smaller and not meet the minimum space standards.”
Councillor Elaine Taylor, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, adds: “This Article 4 Direction will be an important planning tool for the council. It will allow us to think carefully about how a proposed HMO could affect the local area and community before granting permission. This way, we can help make sure new HMOs are good quality and in the right places.”
The consultation closes on 16th November.
* Councillors in North Lincolnshire have approved an Article 4 Direction that, once confirmed, will mean all conversions to HMOs need full planning permission.
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