Durham confirms HMO clampdown

Durham County Council has enacted a countywide Article 4 Direction that will significantly tighten planning controls on houses in multiple occupation, marking a major reform of how shared accommodation is regulated across the region.

The decision was made by the Reform-led council, which has 65 out of the council’s 95 seats, following a public consultation that received more than 1,400 responses, around 80% of which supported extending planning oversight.

The new measures, which will take effect on 17 August 2026, will require planning permission for all new HMOs regardless of size.

At present, properties accommodating three to six residents can be converted into small HMOs without planning approval.

The Article 4 Direction already applies to smaller HMOs in several high-density areas, including Durham City; Framwellgate Moor, Newton Hall and Pity Me; and Mount Oswald, Carrville and Belmont, where concentrations of student housing prompted earlier intervention.

The council now argues that a countywide approach is needed, citing a significant rise in HMOs since 2021.

The Secretary of State has been notified of the decision and retains the power to amend or revoke the Article 4 Direction.

Reform party member cllr Nicola Lyons, cabinet member for communities and civic resilience at Durham County Council, said: “While HMOs can provide a more affordable form of accommodation for a wide range of groups, an overconcentration of this type of household can have a negative impact on communities.

“This is often because of issues around increased noise, the general appearance of properties, and the management of rubbish and parking.

“HMOs can also have more long-term implications, such as the loss of family housing and an impact on community cohesion due to a larger proportion of the population only staying for a short time.

“Over the past few years, we have seen a steady increase in HMOs in areas of the county outside Durham City.

“The number has risen significantly since 2021, with some residents expressing concern about the impact on their neighbourhoods.

“An Article 4 will allow us to consider all HMO conversions, leading to better distribution and helping us to maintain mixed and balanced communities across the county.”