Sefton Council is on a mission to make it more difficult for landlords to convert houses into HMOs across the borough and has called for a national change to how HMOs are managed.
The authority recently introduced an Article 4 direction in Aintree and now hopes councillors will give the go ahead to extend it, following concerns raised by residents. It also already applies in Southport (pictured), Bootle, Seaforth, Litherland and Waterloo.
Council leader Marion Atkinson (pictured) says the council has seen a huge number of people come forward in support of the strategy.
“Residents in other parts of the borough are now calling for similar action, which is why we have decided to take this unusual step,” she explains.
“HMOs do play a role in our community, and this move would not prevent an HMO from being created – instead it puts an extra check and balance in place by requiring planning permission so local people can have a say on any plans that are put forward.
“In the longer term we think this is an issue that needs addressing nationally and for there to be a better way to manage changes in local communities so residents can have an influence on what happens in their local neighbourhood.”
The council will use its urgency powers to take the plans to its next cabinet meeting in October.
Sefton Council has been getting tougher on landlords of late and earlier this year, warned them to make proper arrangements for tenants to store refuse until bin collection day, or face a £400 penalty notice or unlimited fine.
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