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4h ago

Oldham Launches Borough-Wide HMO Planning Rule as Hyndburn Sets Vote

The moves rely on Article 4 powers that force planning applications for smaller HMOs.

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Overview

  • Oldham Council approved the start of a borough-wide Article 4 Direction, beginning a six-week consultation on September 29 with the rule expected to take effect on January 1, 2026.
  • Council evidence in Oldham counts 384 HMOs across 98,912 houses, with mapped hotspots in Failsworth, Hathershaw, Oldham town centre, Waterhead and Shaw.
  • Hyndburn councillors will vote on September 25 on a motion from Cllr Steven Smithson to extend Article 4 across the whole borough and to explain why seven wards were previously excluded.
  • Rossendale Borough Council introduced an Article 4 Direction earlier this month to curb HMO conversions without planning consent.
  • Hartlepool Development Corporation opened a consultation on an Article 4 Direction covering its zone, alongside a separate town-wide proposal, citing concerns over clustering and anti-social behaviour.