Gedling Borough Council wants landlords’ views on whether it should bring in tougher rules for HMO conversions.

The Nottinghamshire authority is currently consulting on an Article 4 Direction within the Netherfield area which would remove permitted development rights to change the use of houses to small HMOs of up to six residents.

It wants to better manage the concentration and distribution of HMOs, ensure balanced and sustainable communities, and address local concerns. Neighbouring councils, including the City of Nottingham and Broxtowe, have already introduced an Article 4 Direction.

Council figures show that out of the 3,120 properties in Netherfield, 36 of these are HMOs. However, it acknowledges that it may not be aware of smaller HMOs.

Spreading

The authority’s leader John Clarke has previously said that HMOs in Netherfield were “spreading significantly”. It has heard that Chandos Street in Netherfield has prompted complaints from residents and local councillors about the road being crammed with cars, who feel that it is losing its community feel, and believe Netherfield is seeing “urban cramming”. Other councillors have continued to call for a clampdown, according to the West Bridgford Wire.

The council wants to hear from residents, landlords and businesses and says their feedback will help inform whether and how the Direction is implemented. Further details of the consultation - which ends on 21st August - can be found here: https://orlo.uk/0agMu

If the Direction is confirmed, it is expected to be in force at the beginning of 2027.

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