Issue - meetings

1. That Cabinet approve the making of an Article 4 Direction to remove permitted development rights for the change of use of a property from a Class C3 (residential) use to a Class C4 HMO.

2. That Cabinet approve the commissioning of a robust evidence study, estimated at £50,000, to support the making of the Article 4 Direction, including its geographic extent.

3. That Cabinet delegate authority to the Chief Planning Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy, to make a ‘non immediate’ Article 4 Direction.

4. To note that Cabinet approval will be required to confirm the Direction in 12 months’ time following the statutory period of publication and consultation.

Councillor Andrew Jones (Cabinet Member for the Economy) introduced the report which sought approval to prepare an Article 4 Direction for small Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). This included the commissioning of consultants to produce a robust evidence base that supports the making of the Article 4 Direction and the geographic area to which the Direction will apply.

Councillor Jones explained that the policy responded to concerns from residents and tenants’ associations about HMOs. Requiring planning permission for smaller HMOs would ensure minimum standards were met in regard to home and room sizes, parking and cycle storage facilities, and waste collection.

Councillor Adronie Alford said she supported the principle, but raised concerns about the policy having unintended consequences and asked what size properties the policy would apply to. Councillor Jones said small HMOs were defined as properties housing between three and six unrelated people who shared amenities. He added that the policy would not prevent smaller HMOs from being created, but would enforce standards. The Leader asked officers to arrange a briefing on the issue for Councillor Alford.

ACTION: Bram Kainth

Councillor Wesley Harcourt noted this issue had been raised by residents and the Council was responding. He said there was a need for family accommodation in the borough and it was right to look at the appropriateness of small HMOs.

Councillor Frances Umeh added that the Council had a private sector rented team and she ensured members that the Housing department would work closely with the Planning team to ensure the Council was aligned on this issue.

The report and recommendations were unanimously agreed.

RESOLVED

1. That Cabinet approve the making of an Article 4 Direction to remove permitted development rights for the change of use of a property from a Class C3 (residential) use to a Class C4 HMO.

2. That Cabinet approve the commissioning of a robust evidence study, estimated at £50,000, to support the making of the Article 4 Direction, including its geographic extent.

3. That Cabinet delegate authority to the Chief Planning Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy, to make a ‘non immediate’ Article 4 Direction.

4. To note that Cabinet approval will be required to confirm the Direction in 12 months’ time following the statutory period of publication and consultation.