Warrington Borough Council has announced plans to expand strict planning controls across the entire borough to regulate the conversion of family homes into shared houses, commonly known as Houses in Multiple Occupation.
If the proposal is approved, landlords will be required to obtain planning permission before converting homes into shared properties starting in September 2026. The move follows feedback from residents who have raised concerns regarding parking pressure, noise, and the overall character of their neighbourhoods caused by high concentrations of these properties.
The council is currently seeking public feedback on a draft document that outlines specific guidance for these conversions. This draft introduces a rule where planning permission will not be granted for new shared houses if more than 10% of homes within a 50-metre radius are already used for this purpose. The proposal also includes restrictions to prevent properties from being sandwiched between two shared houses and limits the creation of blocks containing three or more adjacent properties of this type.
Residents have until 5pm on Friday 24 April 2026 to share their views on the draft guidance. These measures reflect a national trend, with many local authorities across England having implemented similar planning controls by early 2026.
The decision to expand these controls comes as the council manages significant financial challenges, including debts nearing £1.4 billion and a budget gap of £178.9 million over the next four years. In response to these financial pressures, the council has implemented a 7.48% council tax increase and is currently working under the supervision of government-appointed ministerial envoys.
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