Landlords in Stockton will face much tougher rules around HMOs following a planned clampdown by the council.

The move follows increasing concern from residents and councillors about the rapid growth of HMOs across the borough. Stockton-on-Tees Council is now consulting on an Article 4 direction, which would see planning consent required to change a house into a small HMO from March 2027.

The authority has also put together a proposed Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for new HMOs. This sets out how it will assess future HMO applications, with a focus on raising accommodation standards and reducing negative impacts on local communities.

Proposals

Proposals for new HMOs or extensions to existing ones would not generally be allowed where the proportion of residential properties would exceed 10% of those within a 50-metre radius, where it would lead to a block of three or more, or where it would result in a C3 family home. It also outlines standards around internal and external quality, setting expectations for good living conditions and proper management.

A council report explains: “The SPD will not be able to address issues in relation to existing HMOs, but it is an important material consideration in the determination of planning applications for new and expanded HMOs and is applicable throughout the borough. It is likely that consent for an HMO (or extensions to an existing one) will not be acceptable within many parts of our selective licensing areas and some other central locations owing to the ‘avoiding concentrations’ measure within this document.”

Beneficial

Councillor Richard Eglington, cabinet member for regeneration and housing, adds: “We know that well-managed and appropriate HMOs can be beneficial for the area, but there must be a balance, which is why we have proposed the Supplementary Planning Document and Article 4 direction.”

The consultation is open until 17^th April.

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