Another two councils have outlined plans to come down harder on HMO conversions.

Bassetlaw District Council in Nottinghamshire and Three Rivers District Council in Hertfordshire have both announced consultations into bringing in an Article 4 direction – the latest in a long line of authorities looking to reduce their unchecked spread.

Parts of Worksop and Retford would be covered, with amendments made to the existing Worksop Central Area Article 4 direction, while creating a new one covering the Retford Station area, which would mean change of use from a family home to a small HMO would need planning permission.

Steve Scotthorne, Bassetlaw's cabinet member for identity, planning and place, (pictured right) says an over concentration of HMOs can have a negative impact on the community’s quality of life.

Increase

“Over the past few years, we have seen an increase in HMOs in some areas of Worksop and Retford, with some residents expressing concern about the impact on their neighbourhoods,” Scotthorne explains.

It believes the proposed directions would give greater control over the number and location of HMOs in each area, as well as providing greater transparency, clarity and certainty to developers and communities about how they will be managed. The council consultation closes on 13th July.

Effect

Three Rivers District Council has launched a consultation on the direction which will come into effect in 12 months. It explains that the option of an immediate introduction was considered by councillors but ruled out due to financial risk.

The authority has seen a rise in potential new HMOs over the last five months, and believes it now has sufficient evidence to justify direction.

Steve Drury, lead member for community engagement, public safety and housing, adds: “HMOs can provide affordable and flexible options for tenants, such as students or those on a low income and are a valid housing option for people within the district. However, they need to be in the right place, and residents must be able to have a say on applications.”

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