A change to planning rules governing shared houses has moved a step closer.

The proposal to bring shared houses under planning control was discussed at Barnet Borough Council’s housing committee on Monday.

Funding was approved for an evidence-based review, which will also look at whether the change to planning rules should be introduced across the whole borough, or just in certain wards.

The policy, which will mean landlords who wish to convert their property into a shared house would have to apply for planning permission, could be introduced by March next year, although it will not come into force until 12 months later.

Childs Hill councillor Shimon Ryde, who proposed the idea at last month’s council meeting, said: “We know it’s a problem, but it needs properly researched. To introduce one when there’s no need could mean developers could challenge it. It has to be evidence-based.”