Review of Article 4 Direction and Planning Approach to Houses in Multiple Occupancy

Stakeholders and the public are asked to feedback their views on a proposed new planning policy in the local plan and a new Article 4 Direction, which will introduce a more restrictive approach to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) within certain locations of the city.

The Article 4 Direction HMO area is proposed to provide greater planning control over the number of new HMOs.

In a recent review, the Council found over 900 HMOs operating across the city. This high number of HMOs within Preston's urban area is negatively impacting on the amenity and quality of life of residents, including on-street parking, cleanliness of streets and anti-social behaviour.

The new proposed policy approach will give Preston City Council the power to say no and have more control of proposed HMOs in the area.

The Article 4 Direction will cover Preston's main urban area, north of the River Ribble, east of the A582 (Edith Rigby Way), south of the M55 motorway, and west of the M6 motorway.

Councillor Amber Afzal, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulation, said:

"There is evidence that there are too many HMOs in the city, more than are necessary to meet local needs. This has an impact on residents' quality of life and reduces the supply of much-needed family accommodation.

"The Council are therefore consulting on introducing additional controls to limit the number of new HMOs through the planning process and we encourage the public to come along to our consultations to feedback on our proposed approach."

Consultations events will run throughout the next seven weeks, alongside the Central Lancashire Local Plan, giving stakeholders and the public the opportunity to feedback on the HMO review and the Central Lancashire Local Plan.

Face-to-face events in Preston

• Wednesday 26 February, Preston Markets, 11am to 2pm
• Wednesday 5 March, UCLan Cottam Campus, 3pm to 6om
• Thursday 6 March, Grimsargh Village Hall, 3.30pm to 6.30pm
• Thursday 13 March, Preston Town Hall, 3pm to 7pm
• Thursday 20 March, Fulwood Methodist Church, 3pm to 7pm  

You can provide feedback online by completing our consultation form