North Lincolnshire Council has confirmed tougher planning controls on houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in Scunthorpe after strong support from residents.
A public consultation on the proposed Article 4 Direction – which would remove the automatic right to convert family homes into small HMOs without planning permission – showed clear backing for the change.
Almost nine out of ten respondents supported the proposal, with responses highlighting concerns about the impact poorly managed HMOs can have on neighbourhoods, including pressure on parking, overcrowding and the loss of family housing.
The council has now moved to confirm the Article 4 Direction, meaning that from November 2026 anyone wanting to convert a family home into a small HMO for three to six unrelated occupants will need to apply for full planning permission.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Residents have spoken clearly through the consultation process and we have listened.
“This change is about protecting neighbourhoods and making sure proposals that could affect communities are properly considered.
“It does not stop HMOs altogether, but it does ensure that local people have a voice and that every proposal is looked at carefully before it goes ahead.”
Currently, national permitted development rules allow small HMOs to be created without planning permission. The Article 4 Direction removes that automatic right in Scunthorpe, meaning applications will be assessed through the normal planning process.
Large HMOs, housing more than six people, already require planning permission.
Cllr Richard Hannigan, cabinet member for adults, health and communities, said: “We know that poor-quality HMOs can have a serious impact, both for tenants and for the wider community.
“Requiring planning permission gives us the ability to properly consider the location and impact of each proposal, helping maintain balanced communities and protecting residential amenity.”
The Article 4 Direction has now been formally confirmed and will come into force on 26 November 2026, following the required notice period.
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