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Multiple Occupation: Bolton West

Asked by Phil BrickellLabourMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 17 January 2025UIN 22787

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many Houses in Multiple Occupation have been developed without requiring planning permission in Bolton West constituency in the last 12 months.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook

National permitted development rights allow a C3 dwellinghouse to change use to a C4 House in Multiple Occupation for up to six people sharing facilities without the need for a planning application. Larger Houses in Multiple Occupation require a planning application which the local authority will determine in accordance with the local development plan and following public consultation.

Local authorities can remove the permitted development right to protect local amenity or wellbeing of the area by introducing an ‘Article 4’ direction.

The Department do not hold data on how many Houses in Multiple Occupation have been created through permitted development rights.

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