A council has won the go ahead of the government to impose new planning restrictions on HMOs.
And it’s leader has launched the consultation about it, with an unorthodox comment about some rental properties.
Hinkley council is now consulting to identify areas where HMO growth may be causing what it calls “pressures.”
The consultation runs until 2pm on Monday July 6.
At present, small HMOs of up to six people can be created without planning permission under national permitted development rules.
An Article 4 Direction does not ban HMOs and would not prevent development from coming forward. Instead, it removes the automatic right, allowing councillors to consider each proposal on its individual merits and apply local planning policies when deciding applications.
National planning rules require Article 4 Directions to be evidence led and focused on specific areas.
If introduced, existing lawful HMOs would not be affected, and landlords would still be able to apply for planning permission for new HMOs.
Licensing arrangements for HMOs would remain separate and unchanged.
Council leader Stuart Bray says: “It continues to be a growing frustration for councillors and officers that we have had very limited ability to influence where HMOs are located, despite strong community concerns.
“… It is important to remember that HMOs are not just used as accommodation for asylum seekers.
“They are a vital part of the local housing mix for those taking their first step on the housing ladder, or who cannot secure other types of accommodation.”
This article is taken from Landlord Today