Planning permission rules could impact rent and property prices (From Bournemouth Echo)

Planning permission rules could impact rent and property prices (From Bournemouth Echo)

MOVES to require planning permission before small houses can be converted to take tenants could drive up rents and slash property prices, a landlords’ group has warned.

Currently, property owners are allowed to turn a single unit to a small house in multiple occupation (HMO) for between three and six unrelated tenants without having to apply to the council.

But under new powers available to local authorities, Bournemouth council is proposing that such a change of use would have to be approved by planners.