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Breckland Considers Tighter Rules For Shared Homes

Wednesday, 23 September 2026 18:57

Breckland Council is considering tighter planning controls on shared homes, requiring permission for smaller HMOs currently allowed without applications locally.

Plans to make it harder to convert family homes into houses of multiple occupation are being considered in Breckland.

Council leaders are being asked to consider introducing an Article 4 Direction, which would remove existing permitted-development rights for smaller HMOs.

Currently, a family home can generally be converted into a house of multiple occupation for up to six people without requiring a full planning application.

The proposed change would mean those conversions would instead need permission from Breckland District Council, allowing planners to consider their potential impact before deciding whether they should go ahead.

The council says it currently has limited planning control over smaller HMOs and has received concerns about properties being converted and occupied quickly.

The proposals come amid increased scrutiny of shared accommodation in Thetford.

Large demonstrations took place outside properties in the town during August after protesters said they believed asylum seekers were being housed there.

However, a report to councillors stresses that HMOs accommodate many different groups of people and are not solely used for asylum accommodation.

Senior councillors are now being asked to consider whether the tighter planning controls should be introduced across the district.

 

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