Greenwich is the latest council to make it compulsory for planning consent to be given before converting homes into Houses in Multiple Occupation.

The change, an Article 4 Direction, removes the permitted development rights for properties to be used as small HMOs with no more than six people.

It means buy to let investors will have to apply for planning permission if they want to convert their homes into HMOs to let out.

The council says it is part of a continued drive to improve standards in the rental sector and ensure that more tenants have well managed, safe and properly maintained homes.

Following member agreement, the council will undertake a consultation before the change becomes law in 12 months’ time.

The move follows a decision by councillors in April to extend licensing to all HMOs in the borough which came into force on October 1.