The Executive of Hinckley and Bosworth Council met on Wednesday 22 April 2026 to discuss and approve an Article 4 Direction to manage the concentration of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Hinckley. The council also agreed to delegate authority for future amendments to the defined area and for future Article 4 considerations across the borough.

Article 4 Direction for Houses in Multiple Occupation

The council has confirmed and approved the implementation of an Article 4 Direction to manage the concentration of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) within a defined area of Hinckley. This decision follows a public consultation where a clear majority of respondents supported the introduction of the direction. The Article 4 Direction removes permitted development rights for changes of use from Class C3 (dwellinghouses) to Class C4 (small HMOs), meaning that all future conversions to HMOs within the specified area will now require planning permission.

Madeline Shellard, Director of Place, presented the report, explaining that the Executive had previously considered the issue on 9 February 2026, identifying increasing concentrations of HMOs and their associated impacts on residential amenity, community balance, environmental conditions, and local service pressures. The subsequent five-week public consultation, which ran from 19 February to 27 March 2026, received 656 submissions. Approximately two-thirds of respondents supported the Article 4 Direction, citing the need for stronger planning controls to manage HMO concentrations and address issues such as parking, waste management, noise, and neighbourhood character. Those who opposed the direction raised concerns about the potential impact on the supply of affordable shared housing and the fairness of removing permitted development rights.

Councillor SL Bray, Leader of the Council, formally moved the recommendations, highlighting that while HMOs have historically provided essential low-cost accommodation, their recent rise has caused significant concern. He addressed the issue of asylum seekers being housed in HMOs, clarifying that Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council (HBBC) properties are not used for this purpose and that the council has no jurisdiction over the government's asylum seeker dispersal programme. Councillor Bray emphasised that the Article 4 Direction is necessary because most HMO conversions currently do not require planning permission, allowing for conversions under permitted development rights in a similar way to building a small conservatory. The Article 4 Direction will ensure that all conversions are properly assessed, and nearby residents can be consulted. He also noted that the council legally cannot ban all HMOs, but the Article 4 Direction will ensure that conversions are appropriate, well-designed, and that concerns about parking and other issues can be mitigated or lead to refusal.

The implementation date for the Article 4 Direction is set for 1 May 2026. The council also agreed to delegate authority to the Director of Place, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to make future amendments to the defined area within Hinckley if necessary, based on emerging evidence. Furthermore, any future Article 4 decisions relating to the wider borough will be delegated to the Leader of the Council and the Director of Place in discussion with the relevant ward member, ensuring a more responsive decision-making process.

Councillor Ball supported the recommendation, echoing the Leader's concerns and frustrations, stating that the council is limited by government policy but is doing everything within its power. Councillor WJ Crooks also spoke in favour, noting that the dilution of planning permission requirements has made it difficult to regulate HMOs. He supported the Article 4 Direction as a means to ensure better regulation and oversight, particularly regarding parking and the quality of work during construction. Councillor L Hodgkins agreed with Councillor Bray's sentiments, acknowledging the need for affordable housing but stressing the importance of proper management of HMOs to address issues like refuse and anti-social behaviour. Councillor Mullaney also welcomed the proposal and the flexibility to review and expand the Article 4 boundaries if needed.

The Executive unanimously voted in favour of the recommendations, with Councillor KWP Lynch requesting his vote be recorded as 'yes'.

Other Business

The meeting also included the confirmation of the minutes from the meeting held on 25 March 2026. Other items discussed at the previous meeting on 25 March 2026, which were noted in the provided documents, included:

• Pesticides and grassland review: Members noted current measures to reduce pesticide use and agreed to an annual review, along with the introduction of practical pesticide-free techniques. A capital budget of £10,000 was approved for a new mechanical weed ripper.
• Economic Regeneration Strategy 2026-2029: The strategy was endorsed, along with its key achievements.
• Biodiversity Duty Report: Members were updated on the preparation of the council's first Biodiversity Duty Report, required under the Environment Act 2021, and endorsed the report.
• Leicester and Leicestershire Statement of Common Ground relating to housing needs: The council agreed to become a signatory to this statement, noting an additional commitment of 48 dwellings per annum.
• Young People's Strategy 2026-2029: The council's work in relation to young people was endorsed, and the new strategy was approved.
• Council Housing Land Strategy (HRA): The report and accompanying strategy were noted and approved.
• ASB Policy: The report was noted, and the Anti-Social Behaviour Policy was approved.
• Housing Policy Framework 2026: A suite of housing policies, including the Tenancy Policy, Aids and Adaptations Policy, and others, were approved. Delegated authority was given to the Director (Place Services) and the Portfolio Holder for Housing to make minor amendments. Tenant involvement mechanisms were supported, and the council's commitment to ongoing policy review was noted.