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Search the Public Notice PortalA property in Breightmet that sparked concerns it was being operated as a house in multiple occupation (HMO) has been found not to be in use as a HMO following a council investigation.
Residents raised concerns after rooms at 156 Withins Lane were advertised on a letting website, prompting enquiries to former Breightmet councillor Adele Warren before this year's local elections.
However, Bolton Council has now confirmed the property is not being used as a HMO, and no breach of planning control has been identified.
Ms Warren said: "So this was from prior to the election. It was being advertised on a property website with rooms to let.
"Neighbours were very concerned about it - there were concerns about who was living there, whether it was being used as a HMO or not, that sort of thing.
"The council got back in touch yesterday with an update, so I put out an update on Facebook - just tying up loose ends from when I was a councillor!"
The council's housing department investigated the property and found no evidence it was being used as a HMO.
A council spokesperson said: "Following a desktop study and a site visit on 09/07/2026, I can confirm that the property is not running as a HMO as it is unoccupied.
"As a result, there is no breach of planning control for Planning Enforcement to take further action on.
"Therefore, the case will be forwarded for closure.
"If in the future, the property becomes occupied by 3 or more unrelated individuals, then please don't hesitate to get back in touch with us."
To operate an HMO, the property owner must apply for, and be granted, a licence from the council.
Operating an unlicenced HMO would be illegal, meaning Bolton Council would have the authority to shut it down.
Ms Warren said: "I had quite a lot of people contact me saying they thought there was an HMO on their street.
"For example, people might see a van pull up every morning and take three different people to work.
"In each case you should report it to the council and if there is a case to be made then housing standards will do their job.
"Sometimes it isn't an HMO, sometimes it is, in which case they'll come and shut it down. Housing standards do do a good job and investigate."
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