A council is consulting on a proposal to control HMOs – and says the restrictions won’t come into effect until July 30 2027.

Reigate and Banstead council wants an Article 4 Direction to be approved by the government, to allow it to make future conversions into HMOs to be subject to planning consent.

A statement says: “The proposed Article 4 direction would remove permitted development rights that allow homes to be converted into a small HMOs – for three to six residents – without the need for a full planning application.

“If the direction is confirmed, a full planning application would be required for small HMO conversions so that the Council can fully consider each proposal’s location, design, accommodation standards and potential impact on neighbours and communities. Larger HMOs, for seven or more residents, already need planning permission.”

And a council spokesperson adds: “We have seen an increase in the number of HMOs in the borough and complaints about them. So, we want to put planning checks in place to help us make sure that future HMOs are in appropriate locations, are well designed, and do not have a negative impact on local communities. 

“Many of our neighbouring councils have already taken similar steps to manage pressures in their local areas.

“We are keen to hear from residents, landlords, property owners and anyone with an interest in housing in the borough about our proposals before any decision is made, so do tell us your views so we can take them into consideration.”

But it admits that after the consultation closes in the autumn, even if the plan goes ahead it won’t come into force until July 30 2027.