PEOPLE in Kidderminster are being urged to have their say on the proposed new planning rules for houses of multiple occupation (HMOs).
The six-week public consultation on the shared properties is under way and will run until 5pm on April 6.
Wyre Forest District Council, which is conducting the research and is the planning authority for the area, wants to hear from people who live, work or own property in Kidderminster, along with landlords and other interested groups.
The proposals aim to introduce an Article 4 Direction, which would remove existing permitted development rights.
This means landlords would need to apply for planning permission before converting a family home into a small HMO for up to six people.
The council acknowledges there has been a growing concentration of HMOs in some neighbourhoods, which can lead to issues such as parking pressures, waste management problems and the loss of family‑sized housing.
Coun Dan Morehead, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Planning and the Green Agenda, said: “We know many HMOs in Kidderminster provide good quality homes.
“But we’re also listening to residents who are concerned about the number of poorly managed properties in some areas.
“These proposals are about making sure HMOs are in the right places and meet the standards our communities deserve.
“This consultation is an important opportunity for people to tell us what they think, and we hope as many residents as possible will get involved.”
If the Article 4 Direction goes ahead, planning permission would be required for new small HMOs from February 2027.
This would help the council manage their location and ensure they contribute positively to local neighbourhoods.
People can visit: wyreforestdc.gov.uk/consultations to take part in the consultation.
Paper copies will also be available at The Hub, Green Street, Kidderminster, and at Wyre Forest House, Finepoint Way.
All feedback from the consultation will be considered and presented to the council’s cabinet in a report in June.
