Bolton Council has agreed tough new rules to control the number of homes being converted into rental properties for multiple tenants.
Cabinet members have approved an Article 4 Direction, restricting the development of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Bolton with immediate effect.
A HMO is a property rented by three or more tenants using shared communal areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and toilets.
Previously, anyone could convert an existing home into a HMO for up to six tenants without first needing planning consent.
But areas with an Article 4 Direction in place require all HMOs, regardless of size, to have planning approval.
Anyone undertaking a HMO conversion without consent could now be ordered to carry out restorative work at their own cost.
The move comes after a significant increase in HMO conversions in Bolton in recent years.
Residents have raised concerns about the over-concentration of HMOs, which can lead to anti-social behaviour, increased traffic and additional pressure on public services.
By ensuring all HMO are subject to the planning process, the Article 4 Direction will give residents the opportunity to object to any proposed conversions in their area.
Bolton Council's Deputy Leader, Cllr Akhtar Zaman, said:
“Uncontrolled HMOs have caused some concerns within local communities, and the new planning rules have the overwhelming support of council members.
“Multiple occupation household have their place in our society and are welcomed as controlled developments, provided they have planning approval which assess the suitability and potential impacts of the accommodation in the local areas.
“Anyone considering establishing a HMO should first check out the requirements.
“The planning service also offers pre-application advice to establish whether applications are likely to be acceptable or not, and planning applications can be submitted online here.”
Anyone wishing to register their views about this policy can submit it here before the closing date on Friday, July 25.