Another Merseyside council is claiming down on HMOs.
Knowsley council has approved new planning rules to prevent what it calls “the inappropriate conversion of family homes into Houses in Multiple Occupation, or HMOs, across the borough.”
The new rules will mean the council will be able to decide whether or not planning permission should be granted for the conversion of a residential property to an HMO.
Since 2010, landlords have been able to convert a family home into a small HMO – for up to six people – without needing planning permission.
The new rules – an Article 4 Direction – remove that automatic right across the whole of Knowsley. Once the formal legal process is complete, anyone wanting to convert a home into a small HMO will need to apply for planning permission first.
The council insists this is not a blanket ban on HMOs and a spokesperson says: “We recognise that these types of homes do have a part to play in our borough – they can be a lifeline for someone who needs low-cost accommodation or who would otherwise be at risk of homelessness, for example.
“But the problems arise when too many of these types of homes are in one area, as it can suddenly mean that one home has many more people coming and going, more cars parked outside, and more rubbish building up. We’ve seen some examples where properties and gardens haven’t been well maintained, and have become a blight on the local area, or attracted rodents.
“By taking the steps we’ve taken today, backed by all members of the council from across all parties, we’re able to prevent future issues and ensure that Knowsley has the right mix of housing for the people who live here.”
The rules will come into immediate effect as soon as the legal notice has been published. The council will then carry out a 21-day public consultation, and the direction will need to be confirmed by the Secretary of State.
