South Tyneside Council moves to manage the amount of HMOs across the borough
A planning measure to manage the growth of HMOs across South Tyneside is now in force.
South Tyneside Council has confirmed that a planning measure that looks to tackle the growth of small Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) is now in force across the borough.
Earlier this month, South Tyneside Council’s Cabinet approved the introduction of an immediate borough-wide Article 4 Direction.
It means that all new HMOs will now need planning permission, regardless of their size.
Under previous rules, only larger HMO developments required planning permission from the Council.
HMOs are classified as properties where three or more unrelated people share facilities like kitchens or bathrooms.
The decision to introduce the new measure followed a significant rise in HMO conversions in recent years, many of which have occurred with the local authority’s knowledge due to current national rules.
Concerns have been raised by both South Tyneside residents and elected officials about the impact that these developments are having on the local community.
Speaking after the introduction of the Article 4 Direction, Councillor Margaret Meling, Lead Member for Economic Growth and Transport, said: “HMOs play an important role in providing affordable housing for a range of people—from students to people facing homelessness.
“However, we’ve listened to residents and we know they are concerned about the impact of these developments on their local areas.
“The new Direction will help us to manage the growth of HMOs in way that protects the character and cohesion of our communities.
“Anyone who now wants to convert a home into an HMO will need to apply for planning permission.”
South Tyneside Council has confirmed that the Article 4 Direction will not impact licences, which are required for HMOs accommodating more than five people.
Hundreds of notices advising of the new Direction will now be going on display across South Tyneside.
It will expire after six months unless confirmed by South Tyneside Council within that period and having given consideration to any representations made by members of the public during this time.
For more information on the Article 4 Direction, visit: https://www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article4.