Wigan Council has taken a decisive step to tighten control over the spread of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) by approving a borough-wide Article Four Direction – a legal measure that will require all new HMOs, regardless of size, to obtain planning permission.
The proposal, approved by the council’s cabinet, will now go through a five-day call-in period followed by a 21-day public consultation.
If no objections are raised, the direction could come into force as early as August 2025.
Currently, under national permitted development rules, landlords can convert family homes into small HMOs – typically properties shared by up to six people – without applying for planning consent.
UNREGULATED CONVERSIONS
But Wigan Council says this has led to a sharp increase in unregulated HMO conversions, with numbers rising from 107 in 2021 to an estimated 285 today.
David Proctor, Assistant Director for Planning and Regeneration, told the cabinet the move is about striking a balance between meeting housing needs and preserving the character of neighbourhoods.
“HMOs are an important part of the housing mix,” he said, “but they must evolve in a controlled and managed way.
“This change will allow us to scrutinise all applications and impose appropriate management conditions.”
Wigan already operates Article Four restrictions in Swinley and central Leigh.
But evidence gathered since their introduction suggests the policy may have simply displaced the issue as conversions rose in surrounding areas.
ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Councillor Paul Prescott, cabinet member for planning, said: “HMOs offer flexibility but can create real issues if not managed properly – such as anti-social behaviour, overcrowding, and pressure on parking.
“This policy does not ban HMOs, but it gives the council and local communities more oversight and safeguards.”
The council insists the move is backed by data and driven by a need to ensure that shared accommodation across Wigan is “legally compliant, well-designed, and beneficial – not detrimental – to the communities they serve.”
