New planning rules for smaller HMOs in Telford
Telford & Wrekin Council is tightening the rules on houses in multiple occupation with new planning regulations that will come into force next year across the borough requiring planning permission for all HMOs, regardless of size.
The move follows a public consultation launched in December. Nearly 200 people commented on the proposed planning changes showing overwhelming support for the introduction of an Article 4 Direction.
This direction has now been confirmed and it will officially come into force on 27 February 2027.
Currently, some landlords can create smaller HMOs under “permitted development rights” without full planning permission. From next February, all new HMOs will require a formal planning application.
This change allows the council to check the impact on local areas before any conversion happens.
While the planning rules are set, a second consultation on licensing is still open. Residents have until 5pm on Wednesday 11 March to share their views.
At the moment, only HMOs with five or more people need a mandatory licence. The council wants to change this so that all HMOs, new and old, must be licensed.
Councillor Richard Overton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Highways, Housing and Enforcement, said: “As a Council, we are on a mission to improve the availability, quality and affordability of housing for local people through a raft of measures as set out in our housing strategy.”
“One area where we know more needs to be done is the management of HMOs in the Borough, which is why we launched a consultation on new proposals at the end of last year.”
“The Article 4 Direction when it comes into force next year will give the Council greater control on where HMOs are created. It will allow the Council to consider the impact of all new HMOs on local amenities and communities before a planning decision is made.”
“I would now encourage people, if they haven’t already, to take a moment to complete the licensing consultation too. The proposals are about improving living standards and holding landlords to account and it’s really important we have the feedback from our local communities.”
