North Lincolnshire Council has resolved to eliminate a particular loophole that permitted landlords to transform family homes into small Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) without requiring full planning consent. This approval introduces an Article 4 Direction, necessitating all HMO transformations to undergo comprehensive planning examination. This action came after a prior vote in March, which adopted a strict policy towards HMOs that fail to adhere to planning regulations.
Rob Waltham, the Conservative council leader, underscored the necessity of preserving secure and stable neighbourhoods, asserting that poorly managed HMOs can have a detrimental effect on local communities. The council has voiced concerns about the problems of overcrowding and parking pressures originating from certain HMOs, along with the decrease in available family housing.
Councillor Richard Hannigan, who is in charge of adults and health, reinforced the council’s dedication to enhancing housing standards and safeguarding residents against exploitation. Acknowledging that HMOs function as a stepping stone for young adults moving out, Waltham emphasised the necessity for more stringent scrutiny to ensure safety and quality.
The National Residential Landlords Association has aired worries over this method, suggesting that Article 4 Directions could skew the housing market and that local authorities should centre their attention on employing existing power to tackle housing quality matters.
This report was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.bbc.com.
