Plans for HMO for up to five people

Proposals to use a property in Blackpool as an HMO for up to five persons have been submitted to planners.

The application relates to a property on Kensington Road, off Whitegate Drive, where a Certificate of Lawfulness is proposed to enable a loft conversion to create an extra, fifth room.

The applicants say there is already a Certificate of Lawfulness to allow the house to be used as an HMO (House of Multiple Occupation) for up to four persons.

A Certificate of Lawfulness is a formal document from a local planning authority that confirms an existing or proposed use or development is legal under planning law. It doesn’t grant permission but proves that planning enforcement action cannot be taken against the development described in the certificate .

A planning statement on behalf of the application states: “The property at 7 Kensington Road is currently in lawful use as a C4 House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) for up to 4 persons, confirmed by Certificate of Lawfulness issued by Blackpool Council on August 11 2025.

“A separate Certificate of Lawfulness (Proposed Development, issued 28 October 2025) confirms the lawfulness of the rooflight installation and associated loft conversion works.

“These authorised alterations provide an additional room within the existing lawful building envelope. The present application seeks confirmation that occupation of the property by up to 5 persons, including use of the loft room as part of the accommodation, remains lawful within Use Class C4.

“This application seeks a Certificate of Lawfulness (Proposed Use) for the continued use of the premises as a C4 HMO accommodating up to 5 persons.

“No external or internal building operations requiring planning permission are proposed. The increase from 4 to 5 occupants represents a modest intensification within the same C4 use class (3–6 persons)

“Use Class C4 covers small Houses in Multiple Occupation occupied by 3 to 6 unrelated individuals sharing basic amenities. As both the existing and proposed uses fall within this class, there is no material change of use. The proposal therefore does not constitute “development” and does not require planning permission.

“This application is made to obtain formal confirmation of this lawful position. “

The proposals are pending a decision.