A big NW council is poised to approve an unusual 'immediate' Article 4 Direction covering 11 wards across Runcorn and Widnes (pictured) in a bid to crack down on the number of HMOs.
Halton Borough Council explains that it’s one of a range of new measures proposed in its borough-wide housing strategy aimed at raising standards in the PRS. It would mean landlords wanting to turn their property into a small HMO would have to go through the planning process.
The move follows a three-year campaign around HMOs by ward councillors in Central & West Bank Ward, supported by Derek Twigg MP (pictured). Councillor Pamela Wallace has been a long-standing critic of HMOs in her ward and is delighted by the council’s plans.
“We believe that in areas like West Bank, developers/landlords are outbidding families who want to buy family homes to live in to convert them into HMOs; this is also reducing the number of family homes that are available to private rent,” she tells Runcorn and Widness World.
“This is having a detrimental effect on the community. Without an Article 4 Direction, local housing for families would continue to be converted into HMOs with no need for planning permission. HMOs can also place a strain on local services like schools and create waste, noise and parking issues.”
A six-week public consultation will start later this month if plans are agreed at the council’s executive board meeting on 11th September.
The Article 4 Direction would then apply immediately in those areas proposed from 24th September. These are: parts of Appleton Ward, Central & West Bank Ward, Halebank, Mersey & Weston Ward, Beechwood & Heath Ward, Grange Ward, Bridgewater Ward, Halton Castle Ward, Halton Lea Ward, Norton North Ward and Norton South & Preston Brook Ward.
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