A draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) 13: Houses in Multiple Occupation was approved for consultation by the Council's Cabinet on 3rd December 2025.
The aim of the SPD is to ensure that proposals for new houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) that require planning permission provide a good standard of accommodation for their occupants, as well as seeking to ensure that the development or extension of HMOs doesn’t have an unacceptable impact on the amenity of neighbours of the character of the area.
Following Cabinet approval, we are now seeking your views on draft SPD13 over a six-week period running from 15th December 2025 until 26th January 2026.
How can I comment on draft SPD13?
We are keen to promote the submission of comments electronically and would encourage anyone with access to email to make their responses in this way. Responses by email should be sent to planning.policy@bury.gov.uk.
Alternatively, responses can be returned by post to the following address:
Strategic Planning and Infrastructure
Place Directorate
3 Knowsley Place
Duke Street
Bury BL9 0EJ.
Please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Strategic Planning and Infrastructure team on 0161 253 5550 or email planning.policy@bury.gov.uk if you require further information on draft SPD11.
Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitat Regulations Assessment screening
The Council has undertaken an initial screening of the SPD to determine whether there is need for a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in accordance with Regulation 9 (3) of the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 and European Directive 2001/42/EC.
Before making a formal determination in relation to SEA, there is a requirement to consult the three statutory consultation bodies designated in the Regulations (the Environment Agency, Historic England and Natural England) on whether environmental assessment is required. All three bodies have responded to say that they agree with the Council’s conclusions that the draft SPD does not require a Strategic Environmental Assessment.
Similarly, the Council has undertaken a Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) screening assessment of the SPD to determine whether there is a need for a Habitats Regulations Assessment in accordance with Regulation 63 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended)1 and European Directive 92/43/EEC (the Habitats Directive). The Council’s conclusion is that the draft SPD does not require a Habitats Regulations Assessment.
- pdf file
Next steps
Following the consultation period, we will give thorough consideration to all comments received and, where necessary, make amendments to the document before it goes back to the Council’s Cabinet for formal approval and adoption.
On adoption the Houses in Multiple Occupation SPD will update and replace the existing standards set out within the current Development Control Policy Guidance Note 13: Conversion of Buildings to Houses in Multiple Occupation (2007).