Landlords in 3 areas of north Bristol will be now required to seek planning permission to convert family homes in that areas of Filton, Stoke Park and Cheswick after 93% of the public supported council proposals to restrict the growing numbers of HMOs following a public consultation. The Article 4 Direction policy was approved of by both Conservative and Labour elected members.

The desire by investors to purchase property in the areas was such that some single family properties ripe for conversion into HMOs were being sold for as much as £15,000 above the asking price.

Elected members referred to the "detrimental" and "negative" effects on their communities of having too many HMO properties.