However, Bolton Council has now confirmed the property is not being used as a HMO, and no breach of planning control has been identified. It was being advertised on a property website with rooms to let. Former Breightmet councillor Adele Warren (Image: Adele Warren)"As a result, there is no breach of planning control for Planning Enforcement to take further action on. 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.