Plan for new controls for houses in multiple occupation in Kidderminster
News release issued:
New planning controls that would require landlords to seek permission before converting homes into houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) may be introduced in Kidderminster.
There is a growing concentration of HMOs in some areas of Kidderminster, creating problems including parking pressures, anti-social behaviour, waste management issues and a loss of family housing.
Under current rules, landlords can convert a family home into a small HMO for up to six people without needing planning permission. The Council is now considering removing these permitted development rights in the town. To do this it needs to make a non-immediate Article 4 Direction.
The proposal is being considered by Wyre Forest District Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Thursday 8 January.
There are currently 25 licensed HMOs in Kidderminster out of 27 across the district. However, council officers believe there are many more smaller, unregistered HMOs in the town which are not subject to the same standards and monitoring.
Councillor Dan Morehead, Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Planning and the Green Agenda said:
"Many houses in multiple occupation in Kidderminster are well managed and provide good quality homes for residents. However, we're seeing increasing concerns about the impact of poorly managed properties and the concentration of HMOs in some neighbourhoods.
"This Article 4 Direction isn't about stopping HMOs altogether – it's about making sure we can manage their number and location properly and make sure they meet acceptable standards. By requiring planning permission, we'll be able to assess each application on its merits and protect the character of our residential areas."
The Overview and Scrutiny committee’s recommendations will be considered by the Cabinet on Wednesday 11 February.
If Cabinet agrees to proceed, a six-week public consultation will run from Friday 20 February until Monday 6 April 2026, giving residents, landlords and other stakeholders the opportunity to have their say on the proposals.
Following the consultation, a further report will be presented to Cabinet in June to consider the feedback received. If the Article 4 Direction is confirmed, it would not take effect until February 2027, 12 months after the giving of notice which will allow landlords time to adjust to the new requirements.