Stricter measures approved to tackle HMOs
GoogleNew planning rules will make it tougher for landlords to convert properties into shared housing, a local authority has said.
Darlington Borough Council has granted an Article 4 Direction, which will require owners to apply for planning permission before creating Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
It comes after concerns from residents over the increased usage of HMOs throughout the borough, particularly in areas near the town centre.
Labour councillor Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy, said it was "not about banning HMOs" but addressing the balance which has "been tipped too far".
He said: "We know they [HMOs] have a role to play, especially for younger people and those on lower incomes.
"But without oversight, the balance has been tipped too far. We want decent, affordable homes in every part of the town, and this is one of the tools to help us deliver that."
The Article 4 Direction will allow the local authority to make sure housing works for local families, "not just landlords chasing profit," he added.
'No control whatsoever'
Current rules in England allow owners to convert a home into an HMO for up to six people without requiring planning permission.
Greenbank Road residents had warned that landlords were contributing to the "uncontrolled transformation" of their neighbourhood, as more homes were reconfigured to suit multiple occupants, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Councillor Matthew Snedker, the leader of the Darlington Green Party, said the increase in HMOs has led to public disquiet about the future of their neighbourhoods.
"Speaking with residents who have gone through the process of having HMOs appear next to them, they were shocked that there was no control whatsoever," he told a cabinet meeting.
"It seems that some of these developers know the system very well and can work their way around it within the law."
Darlington Conservative leader, councillor Jonathan Dulston, urged council leaders to go further with enforcement.
"I don't think it goes far enough," he said.
"This is the bare minimum of what the council could do."
The Labour-led council said it would review any comments received regarding the new powers following an initial trial period.