New planning controls for small Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across the city are set to be introduced by Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

The council's Cabinet has approved a new city-wide Article 4 Direction.

This would remove permitted development rights that currently allow family homes to be converted into small HMOs without the need for planning permission.

A small HMO is a property occupied by three to six unrelated people sharing facilities such as kitchens or bathrooms.

The Article 4 Direction is expected to come into force on 23 October 2026 - subject to the statutory confirmation process - and the Cabinet has decided the new controls will take "immediate effect" .

The city council says it follows the decision in August to support enhanced regulation of HMOs to help "improve housing standards, ensure balanced and sustainable communities, and give residents a greater voice in local development decisions".

Under the Article 4 Direction, future applications to convert properties into small HMOs will require planning permission.

Councillor Duncan Walker, Cabinet Member for Safe and Resilient Communities and Housing, said: "We want to ensure that everyone living in Stoke-on-Trent has access to good-quality housing and that our neighbourhoods remain balanced, thriving places to live.

"While HMOs play an important role in providing accommodation for many residents and have a role to play in our city, it is essential that their development is properly managed.

"Introducing an Article 4 Direction will give the council greater oversight of new HMO proposals and ensure local communities have a say through the planning process.

"This is about striking the right balance between meeting housing need and protecting the character, wellbeing and sustainability of our communities.

"It forms part of our wider commitment to raising standards across the private rented sector and creating safer, stronger neighbourhoods for everyone."

The city council added that the proposal is supported by recent changes to national planning policy, which now specifically recognises the use of Article 4 Directions to address the harmful effects of over-concentrations of small HMOs where there is clear evidence to justify intervention.

A statutory consultation process is required before any Article 4 Direction can be confirmed.

If approved, the council said notices will be published through local advertisements, the council website and site notices.

Residents, businesses and stakeholders will also have the opportunity to submit their views.

A further report will be presented to Cabinet following the consultation period, for councillors to consider before making a final decision on confirming the Article 4 Direction.