Tougher powers over HMOs to be subject of autumn cons...

A northern council is considering tightening the planning rules around converting properties into HMOs.

A report to Burnley council’s executive recommends removing permitted development rights which currently allow a single dwelling house to be changed into a small HMO without planning permission.

Currently a single dwelling can be converted into an HMO for between three and six people without the need for planning permission.

Under the proposals put forward by the council, anyone wanting to do that would have to submit a planning application. Larger HMOs are already subject to planning permission.

“There is an increasing number of HMOs in certain parts of our borough and this can lead to issues such as anti-social behaviour and crime and increased pressures on parking” says councillor John Harbour, executive member for housing and leisure.

“HMOs can also meet a need for low-cost and flexible housing, particularly for young people and those on low incomes. But we need to get the balance right, so I welcome this report setting out the issues.

“The proposal to remove permitted development rights won’t prevent HMOs being created but it will give the council more control over how many there are and where.”

The proposals will be subject to six weeks of public consultation. Further details of this consultation will be publicised in the coming weeks.

A further report will be taken to the executive in Spring 2024 to consider the comments received and decide whether to confirm the proposal.

If confirmed, the new arrangement is set to come into operation from October 2024 to allow for the legal process to be completed.

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