Landlords who want to convert their property into shared houses could soon have to apply for planning permission.

Barnet Borough Council's housing committee meeting on Monday will discuss a proposal that would mean houses in multiple occupancies (HMO) would come under council planning control.

Currently, anyone can turn a property into a shared house of up to six people.

Childs Hill Councillor Shimon Ryde proposed the idea at last month’s council meeting.

Cllr Ryde explained he had heard concerns from people in his ward about the rising number of shared houses.

He said: “They can change the very character of the street. Sometimes it means they don’t have such a strong local association, so you might end up with untidy front gardens and people creating a lot of rubbish. If it’s planned correctly, this issue can be looked at.”

Parking was a particular concern, as houses can end up having six cars, adding to parking pressure.

Cllr Ryde said: “Basically, the change allows planners to make the decision to decide whether it’s appropriate to have one on particular streets. Residents currently have no say.

“It won’t bring a ban on future development of shared houses, which can be a very appropriate form of housing. It just means people can be properly consulted on whether the decision is appropriate, and residents will be involved in how their streets look. I think it will benefit everybody in the borough.”

Cllr Ryde said it would not affect students, who often use shared houses, as the student population is not a problem in the borough.

He added: “It’s a bit of a no brainer. It’s not a particularly controversial policy. It has become problematic in many parts of the borough, and it’s something that needs to be addressed. I think most people see it’s common sense.”