Newcastle-under-Lyme has moved to prevent landlords from converting family homes into HMOs without planning checks.

Councillors will be asked to back plans for an Article 4 Direction at full council in November in a move designed to give the authority and local residents more control where shared housing is putting pressure on neighbourhoods.

Evidence considered by the Reform-led council has highlighted concerns about concentrations of shared housing and the knock-on impact, including parking pressures, extra bins and waste, noise, anti-social behaviour and the loss of family homes.

“When we took control of the council, we promised residents that we would act on the uncontrolled spread of HMOs and give local communities a greater say over what happens in their streets,” says leader and cabinet member for planning and town centres, Jonathan Gullis (pictured).

Neighbourhood

“People buy or rent a home because they want to be part of a neighbourhood. They deserve to know that major changes to the character of their street cannot simply happen around them without anyone having a say.

“We absolutely recognise the need for different types of housing. We have Keele University, the hospital and major employers on our doorstep, but there has to be a balance. This is a promise made and a promise being delivered: residents first, sensible development and local control over our communities.”

Asserted

Gullis has previously asserted that the area should not be treated as a “dumping ground” as the government empties asylum hotels. “The reality is that too often the problem is simply being moved into communities through social housing, HMOs and Home Office contractor accommodation, with little or no community consent or consultation.”

If approved, the new controls would take effect immediately for future conversions in the designated area. This would be followed by a six-week public consultation before councillors are asked to confirm the measures within six months.

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