New controls announced to limit the number of large family homes in Barnsley

New HMOs – usually classed as three or more people who don’t form one household, living together – don’t usually require planning permission

However, in a bid to ensure some larger homes can be used for families, Barnsley Council’s ruling cabinet has agreed to requite planning permission once again – giving the council the power say no to a HMO if it meant losing a larger family house or too many HMOs clustered together.

Councillor Tim Cheetham, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, told the meeting that although planning permission will be required, there will be no fee to apply.

Chris Lamb added that the changes will “put right the wrongs” od changes introduced by the Conservative government, who removed the requirement for HMOs to have planning permission.

Sir Steve Houghton leader of the council, added: “This has come about because we’ve listened to the residents.

“It gives the community and members a measure of control again.”