Plans to introduce Selective Licensing of privately rented properties have been agreed by leading Stockton-on-Tees councillors and now go for consultation.

Under the proposals, all private landlords operating in a designated Selective Licensing area would be required to obtain a licence, valid for up to five years and containing a series of conditions that the licence holder must comply with.

Councillors have now agreed to commence a detailed public consultation on the plans.

A council spokesperson says: “We are delighted to be able to bring forward these proposals and agree the next steps to launch a public consultation on the Selective Licensing scheme.

“There’s very strong evidence for what has been brought forward and it’s been done in line with government guidance.

“The next steps now are to run an extensive consultation and of course all replies will be considered and inform our decision as to whether we continue with the proposed plans.”