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PROPOSALS to make it more difficult to convert houses into HMOs will be discussed by Bradford Council next week.
The Reform Executive has put forward a motion that could pave the way for changes that would prevent HMO conversions without planning permission.
The motion says that while HMOs are “an important source of accommodation for some residents” an over concentration of such dwellings can “negatively change a neighbourhood’s character.”
HMOs, or homes in multiple occupation, are buildings where several unrelated people live in the same property, sharing facilities like kitchens and living rooms.
They can include student accommodation, but are becoming increasingly common due to rising house prices.
There are estimated to be at least 1,500 HMOs in the Bradford district.
Under current rules, people do not need planning permission to convert houses into HMOs for up to six people.
Planning is only required for HMOs for seven or more people.
Reform’s motion going to Full Council next Wednesday calls for the Council to introduce an “article 4” direction – which would require any HMO conversion to go through the planning process.
The motion, being presented by Councillor Jayne Morgan, portfolio holder for Healthy People, says: “This Council recognises that Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) provide an important source of accommodation for some residents, and that well-managed HMOs retain a legitimate role within the local housing market.
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That as of July 2026, the Housing Operations Team confirmed 344 licensed HMOs across Bradford district and estimated circa 1500 overall.
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That there is, however, no authoritative data on the number of HMOs across Bradford district as many smaller HMOs do not require licenses.
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That Manningham, Little Horton, Heaton and other neighbourhoods close to the city centre are often cited by concerned residents as having particularly high HMO concentrations.
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That neighbourhoods with HMOs can suffer adverse effects, including:
- Loss of owner-occupied and family housing, negatively changing neighbourhood character.
- Excess vehicles and associated parking pressure.
- Significant waste generation.
- Noise disturbance and anti-social behaviour.
- Unsustainable demand on local services, such as refuse management.
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That an Article 4 Direction can be used to remove the permitted development right that allows a standard dwellinghouse to be changed into a small HMO without planning permission.
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That via Oxford City Council and Oldham Council, local government precedence exists for Article 4 Directions to be applied on district-wide bases.
“This Council believes:
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That the local authority is responsible for ensuring robust management of the local housing market and thusly HMOs.
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That in order to address deep public concern and reduce adverse effects felt by Bradford residents, the local authority should limit further HMO conversions.
“This Council resolves:
- To request that the Strategic Director - Growth urgently brings forward a report to Council via the Regulatory and Appeals Committee advising on: introduction of a direction pursuant to Article 4(1) of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015, withdrawing the permitted development right that allows a standard dwellinghouse to be changed into a small HMO without planning permission, with application throughout Bradford District within twelve months.”
It is unclear from the motion as to whether there will be any extra investment into the Council’s planning department to deal with likely increase in planning cases the change would bring.