Three-person HMO at 171 Victoria Road, Bolton

“Planning consent is sought for the change of use of an existing three-bedroomed dwellinghouse to a house of multiple occupation for a maximum of three occupants. • The HMO would comprise a kitchen, dining room, lounge and communal shower room on the ground floor and three bedrooms with ensuites on the first floor. All residents would have access to the rear yard which would also provide space for bin storage provision.”

“Template: DC/OfficerRptPage 3 of 12 House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) (Class C4) for up to three residents at 171 Victoria Road in Horwich. 2.No external alterations are proposed or required to facilitate the change of use. 3.The proposed HMO would comprise a lounge, dining room, kitchen and communal shower room at ground floor and three bedrooms with ensuites at first floor. 4.The HMO would benefit from a private rear yard/garden.”

“Enforcement Officers visited the site in January 2026 and confirmed the property was not in use as a HMO and therefore this application is not retrospective in nature. The Applicant has been cooperative with the Planning Enforcement Team throughout and has applied for planning permission for the change of use to a HMO prior to the building being brought into use as such. Town Council:- Horwich Town Council recommended refusal due to the room sizing and communal area space.”

“Elected Members:- Councillor Moncado-Sears has referred the application to committee for the following reasons: • Overdevelopment and substandard living conditions • Conflict with Bolton’s HMO guidance • Impact on residential amenity • Conflict with Places for Everyone (PfE) • Design and layout concerns Consultations Advice was sought from the following consultees: Housing Standards If converted the property would be classed as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) as defined by…”

“(Officer comment: this is not a planning consideration.) • Close proximity to family homes, constant increase in noise pollution significantly diminish residential amenity and quality of life for long-term residents. • Increase in noise, litter, parking issues and anti-social behaviour. • Strain on local infrastructure and services. • Issues with tenants - high turnover of tenants with lack of proper vetting procedures and oversight.”

“Template: DC/OfficerRptPage 11 of 12 • Frightens elderly and vulnerable neighbours. • Safeguarding of women and children. • Proximity to schools and family housing. (Officer comment: There is no evidence of there being a direct causal relationship between this proposed HMO and any anti-social behaviour – the individual behaviour of future occupants is not a significant planning consideration.”

“A motion to approve the application, subject to conditions as recommended in the report was moved by Councillor Mort and seconded by Councillor Newall.”

“Members voting in favour of the motion (7):”

“00444/26 Change of use from dwellinghouse to a 3 bedroom House of Multiple Occupation for three occupants at 171 Victoria Road, Bolton Approved, subject to conditions, as recommended in the report.”