1 week Ago
A major change is set to be brought in aiming to hold back the rapid spread of bedsits and shared houses across Bolton. Over recent years the number of houses in multiple occupation across the borough has soared from 170 to over 720, sparking concerns about overcrowding and the loss of family homes. Bolton Council is now poised to put new rules in place that will require developers to apply for planning permission to create HMOs with up to six bedrooms.
Council cabinet member for adults and housing Cllr Sean Fielding said: “This is Bolton Council having to pick up the pieces from the previous Conservative government’s misguided deregulation drive. “The council will now regain a degree of control over the development of Houses of Multiple Occupancy through the restoration of the requirement for planning permission for smaller HMOs. The council cabinet will meet at Bolton Town Hall (Image: Anthony Moss) “It doesn’t mean HMOs can be stopped altogether but this additional hoop to jump through will mean some developers will think twice before bringing forward proposals in Bolton.
“I am hopeful that their growth will be slowed by the action we are taking.” Since the government changed the rules in 2010 creating HMOs for up to six people has been classed as “permitted development” and so has not needed planning permission. But council like Bolton are allowed to withdraw this permitted development by introducing what is known as an article four direction if they have evidence to justify it.
Other councils like Salford and Blackburn with Darwen have done this already. A report put before the council said that too many HMOs in a certain area can “negatively” affect it because of the lack of space left for families and people living on their own. The report said: “Of the 720 HMOs, most are situated in areas with high levels of deprivation and crime, and where house prices are lowest.
“Particularly high concentrations of HMOs can be found in the Haulgh area, within Tonge with the Haulgh, the Chorley New Road area near Bolton school, straddling Queens Park and Central and Smithills wards, and in the central area of Farnworth. ALSO READ: Call to reverse 'horribly wrong' decision that let bedsits spring up all over Bolton ALSO READ: The reason why the number of HMOs is increasing rapidly in Bolton ALSO READ: 'Overcrowding' and 'strain' concerns about scheme to turn house into eight bed HMO “The inner urban area of Bolton as a whole has more HMOs than other parts of the borough, however smaller clusters of HMOs do exist in Horwich, Westhoughton, Little Lever and Kearsley. “HMOs are present in all wards in Bolton.
“Bolton Council receives high numbers of complaints about HMOs and suspected HMOs, with complaints often relating to overcrowding, safety concerns and nuisance neighbours.” Bolton Council’s cabinet is expected to decide in bringing in the article four direction at a town hall on Monday April 7..
