A public consultation has opened on proposals that could significantly change how Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are controlled across Ilkeston and other parts of the borough.
Erewash Borough Council is consulting residents, landlords and other interested parties on a proposed Article 4 Direction, which would remove automatic permitted development rights for new small HMOs in designated areas.
If introduced, landlords would need to apply for full planning permission before converting a family home into an HMO, giving the council greater control over where shared housing can be created.
What is being proposed?
Under current planning rules, many properties can be converted into small HMOs – typically housing three to six unrelated people – without the need for planning permission.
The proposed Article 4 Direction would remove that automatic right and instead require planning approval for new HMOs in parts of:
- Ilkeston
- Long Eaton
- Sandiacre
- Sawley
According to the council, the proposal is intended to help manage the concentration of HMOs in certain neighbourhoods, protect the character of residential streets, and respond to concerns raised by residents.
Why HMOs are a sensitive issue locally
HMOs form an important part of the housing mix, providing accommodation for students, low-income workers and people who may struggle to afford self-contained homes.
However, residents in some areas have raised concerns that high concentrations of HMOs can place pressure on:
- on-street parking and local roads
- waste and recycling services
- noise levels and antisocial behaviour
- the long-term stability of neighbourhoods
The council says the proposed changes would not ban HMOs, but would allow planning officers and councillors to assess new applications on a case-by-case basis, taking local impacts into account.
Have any changes already been agreed?
No.
This is only a consultation at this stage. No final decision has been made.
The council is gathering feedback before deciding whether to formally introduce the Article 4 Direction.
If adopted, the changes would apply only to new HMOs. Existing lawful HMOs would not be affected.
How to share your views
The consultation runs from 19 December 2025 until 11 January 2026.
There is no online tick-box form for this consultation. Views must be submitted directly to the council by email or post.
Residents and stakeholders can share their views by:
Email
planningpolicy@erewash.gov.uk
Post
Planning Policy
Town Hall
Derby Road
Long Eaton
Nottingham
NG10 1HU
Written comments should clearly state that they relate to the Proposed Article 4 Direction for HMOs. All representations received by the closing date will be considered before any decision is made.
Supporting documents, including maps showing the areas affected and the council’s background evidence, are available on the Erewash Borough Council website.
Why this matters for Ilkeston
With ongoing debate around housing supply, planning control and neighbourhood change, the outcome of this consultation could shape how parts of Ilkeston develop in the coming years.
For residents concerned about the impact of HMOs, and for those who rely on them as a form of housing, this consultation provides a formal opportunity to influence future planning policy.