Warrington Borough Council in Cheshire has launched a four-week public consultation to hear what residents think about new rules for shared houses. The survey, which opened on 26 March 2026, focuses on how houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) are managed and built within the community.
The proposed guidance outlines standards for room sizes and property design to ensure high-quality living conditions for tenants. It also includes rules for bin storage and parking, along with measures to prevent an over-concentration of shared houses in the same neighbourhood.
These measures work alongside stricter planning rules that are expected to begin on 25 September 2026. These rules will require owners in the “Central 6” wards—including Orford, Poplars and Hulme, Fairfield and Howley, Latchford East, Latchford West, and Bewsey and Whitecross—to get formal permission before turning a family home into a small shared house.
Councillor John Kerr-Brown, cabinet member for planning policy and development, encouraged everyone from homeowners to landlords to take part in the process. He explained that the council wants to manage the impact of these properties while keeping neighbourhoods balanced and sustainable.
Residents can submit their comments by emailing [email protected] with ‘HMO consultation’ as the subject line before the deadline at 5pm on 24 April 2026. Written responses can also be posted to the Planning Policy and Programmes Team at the East Annex, Town Hall, Sankey Street, WA1 1UH.
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