Proposals further manage the increase of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) set to go to Cabinet
Plans to introduce new rules that would require planning permission for the change of use of a family home to a small House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) across the borough are being considered by St Helens Borough Council.
Article date: 15 July 2026
The proposal for an Article 4 Direction forms part of the council's commitment to support balanced, sustainable and thriving communities, while making sure that a range of housing options remains available to meet local needs.
Councillor Jack Benyon, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning said: "My priority is to ensure that St Helens Borough remains a great place to live for residents of all ages and backgrounds. Protecting the supply of family housing across the borough is an important principle we aim to follow. Family homes form a vital part of sustainable neighbourhoods, helping to support local schools, community facilities and long-term community stability.
"At the moment some homes can be converted into HMOs without needing planning permission. An Article 4 Direction would change this, meaning the council could review each proposal and consider its impact on local residents, parking, services and the character of the neighbourhood. This will mean the loss of family housing stock is carefully considered and managed especially where there is evidence of growing pressure."
HMOs play an important role in the local housing market by providing affordable and flexible accommodation for a variety of residents, including young professionals, key workers and people who may not be ready or able to access other forms of housing.
Many HMO landlords provide well-managed, high-quality accommodation that contributes positively to local communities.
However residents and community groups have raised concerns about the combined impact of having more homes converted into HMOs in the same area. Residents are worried that increased number of HMO's could cause pressure on parking, waste collection services and local infrastructure, and in some cases issues relating to property management, absentee landlords and anti-social behaviour.
The purpose of the proposed Article 4 Direction is not to prevent HMOs from being created, but to provide a planning framework that lets the council consider each proposal on its individual merits and assess its potential impact on the surrounding area.
Councillor Benyon added: "HMOs play an important role in the housing mix and will always have a place to provide homes and there are well run HMOs that provide good homes for many in our borough. This policy gives us the chance to review smaller HMOs that currently do not undergo scrutiny and gives neighbours the chance to have their say on conversion of medium sized properties to HMOs. We will be able to have more control over where new HMOs are created, while still supporting good quality HMOs for those who need them."
There will be a formal consultation on the proposal, providing residents, landlords, businesses and other interested parties with an opportunity to share their views.
Any decision will be informed by evidence, consultation feedback and an assessment of local housing needs.
The policy will be discussed at Cabinet on Monday 20 July at 4pm. You can read the policy and livestream the meeting online here: Agenda for Cabinet on Monday, 20th July, 2026, 4.00 pm St Helens Borough Council