An application to convert a house in Litherland into a four-bedroom HMO has been submitted to Sefton Council
18:23, 20 Nov 2025
More than 600 people have signed a petition, registering their opposition to a proposed new HMO on a Merseyside housing estate. The end-terrace in Litherland is now the focus of a campaign led by a local councillor, who said the area has too many HMOs which are impacting residents’ quality of life.
The planning application is from a London-based company, and was submitted on October 17. The applicant is seeking approval from Sefton Council for the change of use of 1A Fulwood Way in Litherland, from a dwellinghouse to a four-bed House in Multiple Occupancy (HMO).
Fulwood Way is located in the council ward of St Oswald’s, represented by Cllr Joe Johnson, who said he is opposed to the application. In a post uploaded to his Facebook page, Cllr Johnson said: “I’ve heard from many residents across St Oswald and Netherton North (including parts of Litherland L21) who are deeply concerned about the planning application to convert a property on The Pendle Estate into a six-person HMO.
“I want to reassure you that I fully support residents in opposing this proposal. Using my authority as an elected councillor, I have formally “called in” the application so it will be decided at a full planning meeting. This ensures residents can be heard directly and have the chance to put forward their objections.
“This week I have also endorsed and submitted a petition with over 600 signatures from local residents opposing the HMO. I’m aware there are additional petitions and comments being gathered, and anyone who still wishes to object can do so by commenting on the planning application online.”
The Liverpool ECHO previously reported on Sefton Council’s approval of an Immediate Article 4 Direction applicable to the whole of Sefton. This was implemented on October 15 and allows the local authority to remove permitted development rights from houses to Homes in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
At the last committee meeting (November 12), the council used the Article 4 directive to refuse an application for a HMO, even though it was recommended by the local authority’s planning department.
Cllr Johnson added: “Our community already has one of the highest concentrations of HMOs in the borough, and residents have been clear—they do not want or need any more.
“The existing high number of HMOs has contributed to rising antisocial behaviour and serious crime, affecting the safety and quality of life of people living here.
“Too many of these properties are run by out-of-area landlords, leading to unmanaged sites, neglected buildings and disruption for neighbours. This situation is also unfair on the tenants placed in them, who deserve better-quality, properly managed accommodation.
“To be absolutely clear: there is a need for well-managed housing in appropriate locations for people who genuinely need support. But our area is already carrying far more than its fair share, simply because properties here are cheaper and offer higher profits for landlords.
“The number of poorly managed HMOs we already have shows a complete disregard for the people who live, work and visit our community — and we deserve better. I will continue to stand with residents and oppose this application at the planning stage.”
The planning application for 1A Fulwood Way has been submitted and validated, but remains in the consultation phase. This means the proposals have yet to be scrutinised by the council’s planning committee, and no decision has been made on the proposal.