Bury Council has adopted new planning guidance aimed at supporting affordable housing while managing the impact of houses in multiple occupation on local neighbourhoods.
The guidance is intended to encourage well designed shared housing while helping protect the character of residential areas.
The council has adopted a new Houses in Multiple Occupation Supplementary Planning Document which sets out how planning applications for shared housing will be assessed across the borough.
The document recognises the role that houses in multiple occupation play in providing accommodation for young professionals, key workers, people on lower incomes and those with short term housing needs.
Under the new guidance, planning applications will be assessed against a range of criteria designed to avoid excessive concentrations of shared housing. These include a threshold of no more than 10 per cent of properties within a 100 metre radius being houses in multiple occupation, measures to prevent family homes being positioned between two such properties and restrictions on creating three or more adjoining houses in multiple occupation.
The guidance also sets expectations for the design and management of new developments. These cover minimum room sizes, outdoor space, waste and recycling facilities, cycle storage, parking provision, fire safety and management arrangements.
The council said the measures are intended to maintain housing choice while reducing issues such as parking pressures, noise, waste management concerns and the loss of balanced communities.
The adoption of the planning document coincides with the introduction of an Article 4 Direction, which came into effect on 16 July.
The direction removes permitted development rights for the conversion of a house into a smaller house in multiple occupation for up to six people. Planning permission will now be required for these conversions. Larger houses in multiple occupation already require planning permission and are unaffected.
Although the Article 4 Direction has taken effect, the council is carrying out a public consultation before deciding whether to confirm it. The consultation runs until 27 August 2026.
Councillor Eamonn O'Brien, leader of Bury Council, said, "Houses in Multiple Occupation play an important role in meeting local housing needs by providing flexible and affordable accommodation for a wide range of residents. However, it is equally important that HMOs are located and managed in a way that protects the character of our neighbourhoods and the quality of life of existing residents. The introduction of the Article 4 Direction alongside the new SPD provides clear guidance for applicants, developers and landlords, helping to ensure that future HMOs are well designed, well managed and contribute positively to balanced and sustainable communities across Bury."
The council said the supplementary planning document will now be used as a material planning consideration when determining planning applications for houses in multiple occupation across the borough.
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