Tameside Council introduces new planning controls for shared housing

Tameside Council has officially introduced new planning controls aimed at improving the quality and management of shared housing across the borough.

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

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

The new controls will help:

• Improve living standards for HMO residents
• Ensure adequate parking, bin storage, and living space
• Protect residential areas from overcrowding
• Balance 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.”

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

Tameside becomes the second authority in Greater Manchester to implement such immediate measures.

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