Wyre Council to introduce changes to HMO planning regulations

Thursday, 26 February 2026 13:43

By Central Radio News

Houses in parts of Fleetwood and Thornton Cleveleys will no longer be able to be converted into HMOs without planning permission, Wyre Council has said.

With immediate effect, Wyre Council has brought into force a Direction under Article 4(1) of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015.

The Article 4 Direction removes existing permitted development rights that currently allow a change of use from a dwelling house (Use Class C3), occupied by a single household living as a family, to a small House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) for 3–6 occupants (Use Class C4) without planning permission.

Any change of use from Class C3 (residential dwelling) to Class C4 (HMOs) will now require planning permission, regardless of the number of occupants. This ensures that every proposed HMO within the designated area is subject to full planning scrutiny and no property may operate as an HMO without first securing formal approval through a full planning application.

The Article 4 Direction applies to parts of Fleetwood and Thornton‑Cleveleys.

Councillor Peter Le-Marinel, Portfolio Holder for Planning Policy and Economic Development, said: “In the last few years, parts of Wyre have seen a marked increase in the number of Houses in Multiple Occupation.

‘’While HMOs can play a positive role in our housing market providing low‑cost accommodation for those who need it, we must also recognise the wider impact on our communities.

‘’As a result of the evidence gathered an immediate Article 4 Direction will be introduced for HMOs across all wards in Fleetwood and Thornton‑Cleveleys.”

Wyre Council will run a consultation on the plans to 19 March 2026.