Spelthorne Borough Council is cracking down on Houses of Multiple Occupancy.

These are properties rented out to at least three people who are not from the same household but share facilities like a kitchen and toilet.

Spelthorne’s introducing an Article 4 Direction this week to manage the growth of HMOs in Staines, Ashford and Stanwell.

Developers hoping to turn residential properties into HMOs for up to six people will now need planning permission.