Bolton Council Seeks Public Input on New HMO Application After Rule Change

Strategic Insights -

Bolton Council's cabinet introduced Article Four directions in June, requiring full planning permission for homes with multiple occupants. This decision followed growing concerns over the proliferation of Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in the borough. An application to convert a house at 73 Chorley New Road, Horwich, into a four-bedroom HMO has been submitted, and local residents are being given the opportunity to raise objections or provide support before September 1, 2025.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new rules require full planning permission for HMOs, a change from the previous permitted development status.
  • The application to convert a house at 73 Chorley New Road, Horwich, into a four-bedroom HMO has been submitted.
  • Local residents will have until September 1, 2025, to submit objections or comments in support of the application.
  • Council members have expressed concerns over the impact of HMOs on neighborhoods, citing growing concerns over the number of HMOs being created in the borough.
  • Bolton has seen a 700% increase in HMOs in recent years, with Horwich and Blackrod First leader Cllr David Grant describing areas around Horwich as "transient overburdened streets where residents no longer feel at home."
  • Cllr Adele Warren of Breightmet highlighted the issue of cramped living conditions in some HMOs, stating that "prisons that were built in the 1800s are bigger" than the space people have in HMOs.
  • The new rules will allow the public to raise objections before the application is considered and may also be put before the planning committee.

Statistics:

  • 700% increase in HMOs in Bolton in recent years.
  • The new rules require full planning permission for HMOs.
  • The application 73 Chorley New Road, Horwich has been submitted.
  • September 1, 2025, is the deadline for public objections or comments.
  • Cllr David Grant stated that areas around Horwich have changed from "quiet stable neighborhoods to transient overburdened streets."
  • Cllr Adele Warren highlighted the issue of cramped living conditions in HMOs, stating that some spaces are smaller than prisons built in the 1800s.

Sources:

  • Bolton Council's cabinet agrees to bring in Article Four direction with immediate effect.
  • Bolton Council hear number of HMOs have increased by hundreds.
  • HMOs are 'changing the face of neighbourhoods' in Bolton.
  • READ MORE: Bolton Council to bring in 'immediate' HMO planning rules.