Issue - meetings

To consider a report on the use of Article 4 Directions to manage conversions to Houses in Multiple Occupation. 

With the agreement of the Committee, this item was considered earlier on the agenda.

The Planning Development Manager presented her report outlining the current planning legislation for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) and the options for making an Article 4 Direction to remove Permitted Development Rights for HMOs (which would mean that permission would be required for any HMO regardless of the number of occupants) in certain areas.

She explained that Article 4 Directions were intended for use in exceptional circumstances where evidence suggested that development under Permitted Development rights, such as the spread of HMOs, harmed local amenity or the proper planning of an area. Article 4 Directions did not stop development; they simply meant that planning permission was required for a specified development which, without the Article 4 Direction, would be permitted development. 

The Planning Development Manager advised that the data used to undertake a spatial analysis by ward of the numbers and types of HMOs which existed in the Borough, and the extent of the complaints received did not currently support the introduction of an Article 4 Direction.  She confirmed that the situation would continue to be monitored and an updated report presented to Overview and Scrutiny Committee in a year’s time.

The Planning Development Manager further advised that as a result of new licensing legislation which had come into effect from 1 October 2018, it was anticipated that the management and safety standards in a high proportion of privately rented residential properties within Spelthorne would improve. It was the responsibility of the Environmental Health department to monitor HMOs and enforce the legislation.

The Planning Development Manager agreed to circulate the list of criteria that was used when considering an HMO licence following the meeting. 

Resolved to note the report and receive an updated report in 12 months’ time.