Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs), Masterplans and other guidance

Consultation on a New Supplementary Planning Guidance for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

The Council is undertaking a public consultation on a planning guidance document to help in considering planning applications for new Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). An HMO is usually defined as a building or flat in which two or more households share a basic amenity, such as bathroom or kitchen.

On Friday 19 September, an Article 4 Direction was introduced for the whole of Rossendale to remove permitted development rights to convert a house into an HMO. This means that planning applications are now required for all new HMOs. The proposed supplementary planning guidance (SPG) will be used in the assessment of these planning applications.

We are inviting comments on this proposed planning guidance for new HMOS which can be viewed below.

Proposed Supplementary Planning Guidance for new HMOs

If you have any comments to make, please fill in the short survey form below or email forwardplanning@rossendalebc.gov.uk or write to Forward Planning at the address below. The consultation closes on Thursday 11 December 2025.

Comment on the proposed new guidance

What is a Supplementary Planning Document?

Supplementary planning documents (SPDs) provide additional help and advice to applicants, architects and planning agents on what we expect to see when certain applications are submitted.

For example, the Conversion and Re-Use of Buildings in the Countryside gives advice and guidance on the design and layout of rural buildings as well as setting out what uses are acceptable in the countryside.

Before submitting a planning application it is advisable to consider the information found in these documents.