North Lincolnshire and South Ribble have become the latest councils to bring in the increasingly popular Article 4 Direction after councillors voted for tougher planning controls.

North Lincolnshire’s consultation into the change in Scunthorpe found nine out of ten respondents supported the proposal, with responses highlighting concerns about the impact poorly managed HMOs can have on neighbourhoods, including pressure on parking, overcrowding and the loss of family housing.

Last year the council won its legal fight against local landlords who had tried to block its selective licensing scheme in Crosby and Park, and Town wards.

This latest decision means that from 26^th November anyone wanting to convert a family home in Scunthorpe into a small HMO for three to six unrelated occupants will need to apply for full planning permission.

Council leader Rob Waltham (pictured left) says the change is about protecting neighbourhoods and making sure proposals that could affect communities are properly considered. He adds: “It does not stop HMOs altogether, but it does ensure that local people have a voice and that every proposal is looked at carefully before it goes ahead.”

Immediate

Meanwhile, South Ribble Borough Council in Lancashire has also agreed to make an immediate Article 4 Direction. Councillor Colin Sharples, cabinet member for planning and licensing, explains: “This change will help us to keep track of HMOs, and through our licensing function, make sure they are properly managed, and ensure they meet good living standards.”  

A council report says it is focusing resources on a shift away from merely responding to complaints/referrals surrounding HMOs, to proactively and strategically working to identify and licence HMOs that have so far evaded its attention.

The housing options team will also set up a private rented forum to provide HMO landlords with information, so they are aware of their legal responsibilities and to increase engagement with the sector.

Landlords can submit their comments on the Direction until 29th March: www.southribble.gov.uk/article4-hmo

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