Have your say on proposed new planning rules for shared houses
News release issued:
Residents are being invited to share their views on proposed new planning controls for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in Kidderminster.
A six‑week public consultation will begin on Friday 20 February and run until Monday 6 April 2026. The Council wants to hear from people who live, work or own property in Kidderminster, as well as landlords and other interested groups.
The proposals aim to introduce an Article 4 Direction, which would remove existing permitted development rights. This means landlords would need to apply for planning permission before converting a family home into a small HMO for up to six people.
There has been a growing concentration of HMOs in some neighbourhoods, which can lead to issues such as parking pressures, waste management problems and the loss of family‑sized housing.
Councillor Dan Morehead, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Planning and the Green Agenda, said:
“We know many HMOs in Kidderminster provide good quality homes. But we’re also listening to residents who are concerned about the number of poorly managed properties in some areas.
These proposals are about making sure HMOs are in the right places and meet the standards our communities deserve. This consultation is an important opportunity for people to tell us what they think, and we hope as many residents as possible will get involved.”
If the Article 4 Direction goes ahead, planning permission would be required for new small HMOs from February 2027. This would help the Council manage their location and ensure they contribute positively to local neighbourhoods.
Residents can take part in the online consultation.
Paper copies will also be available at The Hub, Green Street, Kidderminster, and at Wyre Forest House, Finepoint Way.
All feedback from the consultation will be considered in a report to Cabinet in June.