A council in Worcestershire has launched a crackdown on shared housing in Kidderminster, unveiling plans that would force landlords to seek planning permission before converting family homes into small HMOs.
The six-week consultation, which opened on 20 February and runs until 6 April 2026, centres on the introduction of an Article 4 Direction removing permitted development rights for small houses in multiple occupation.
If approved, the move would mean any landlord seeking to convert a single dwelling into an HMO for up to six occupants would need full planning consent from February 2027.
The council says the proposals are designed to address a growing concentration of HMOs in certain neighbourhoods, amid concerns over parking pressures, waste management and the erosion of family-sized housing stock.
RIGHT STANDARDS
Wyre Forest District Council said it wants to hear from landlords, residents and property owners across Kidderminster before making a final decision later this year.
Councillor Dan Morehead, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Planning and the Green Agenda, said: “We know many HMOs in Kidderminster provide good quality homes. But we’re also listening to residents who are concerned about the number of poorly managed properties in some areas.
“These proposals are about making sure HMOs are in the right places and meet the standards our communities deserve. This consultation is an important opportunity for people to tell us what they think, and we hope as many residents as possible will get involved.”
FULL PLANNING PROCESS
Under the proposed Article 4 Direction, landlords would no longer be able to rely on automatic permitted development rights to switch a property from a single dwelling (C3) to a small HMO (C4).
Instead, each case would be assessed through the full planning process, giving the council greater oversight over location and density.
All responses will be reviewed and presented in a report to Cabinet in June, with paper copies of the consultation available at The Hub in Green Street and at Wyre Forest House on Finepoint Way.
