Small HMOs set to be brought under planning control

Following Monday’s Policy and Resources Committee (1 June), Three Rivers District Council will prepare a direction based on evidence to remove the development rights for HMOs with up to six occupants.

Known as an Article 4 Direction, this will essentially tighten controls and regulations on the conversion of a property to an HMO across the district and will require planning permission. Under current planning rules, an HMO that is occupied by six or less occupants is granted automatic planning permission.

The direction will be consulted and come into effect in 12 months. The option of an immediate introduction was considered by councillors but was ruled out due to financial risk following advice from the Director of Finance.

Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst OBE, Leader of Three Rivers District Council, said: “We have seen a rise in potential new HMOs over the last five months, and we now have sufficient evidence to justify an Article 4 Direction. This adds an additional layer of control on top of any licensing conditions that already apply. It allows proper consideration through the planning process and is intended to help manage the concentration and distribution of HMOs. We need to consider, rightly, the impacts on local communities of a higher concentration of HMOs, the housing mix, and neighbourhood character.”

Cllr Steve Drury, Lead Member for Community Engagement, Public Safety and Housing, said: “HMOs can provide affordable and flexible options for tenants, such as students or those on a low income and are a valid housing option for people within the district. However, they need to be in the right place, and residents must be able to have a say on applications.”