A report, outlining a proposal to remove the permitted development rights that allow for the conversion of homes into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) will be put to Knowsley’s Cabinet in October.
If agreed, the proposal which – has cross party support in the Borough (Labour, Green, Independents, Reform UK and Liberal Democrats) – will mean that anyone wanting to change the use of a residential property into a small HMO of up to six residents will require full planning approval. Currently, there are no rules to prevent these conversions going ahead.
The legislation – known as Article 4 – would give the Council the power to have more oversight and control of where HMOs are located and potentially refuse applications if they go against planning policy or where there is evidence to suggest the conversion would have a detrimental impact on the local area.
A HMO is classed as a property occupied by three or more unrelated individuals sharing one or more facilities including bathrooms, living rooms and / or kitchens.
The proposal will be considered by Knowsley Council’s Cabinet on 14 October 2026.