Tameside Council brings in new rules for shared housing

Tameside Council has officially introduced new planning controls designed to improve the quality and management of shared housing across the borough.

From today (Thursday 2 October), all conversions into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) will require planning permission, regardless of size. Previously, only larger HMOs – those housing seven or more people – needed approval. The new rules now extend to smaller shared properties accommodating between three and six individuals.

The borough-wide change will give the Council greater oversight of where shared homes are developed and how they affect local communities. It also ensures residents and stakeholders have a greater say in the planning process.

The new planning controls are aimed at:

• Improving living standards for HMO residents
• Ensuring adequate parking, bin storage, and living space
• Protecting residential areas from overcrowding
• Balancing the need for affordable housing with community wellbeing

Councillor Andrew McLaren, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Growth, Housing and Homelessness, said: “We’ve brought policy in with immediate effect in response to residents’ concerns and to take action to manage the impact of increasing HMO concentrations. HMO accommodation forms part of the housing mix in Tameside but has to be fit for purpose and must integrate well with our existing housing stock. These new controls will help us maintain a balanced housing mix that can bring benefits to the borough while ensuring shared homes are safe, well-managed, and responsibly developed and give residents a voice through the planning process.”

He added: “The position is now clear in Tameside – all new HMO proposals need planning permission from today onwards.”

Tameside is now the second local authority in Greater Manchester to bring in such immediate measures.

For details on how to apply for planning permission, visit: www.tameside.gov.uk/planningandbuildingcontrol/a4d