Stoke-on-Trent City Council is bringing in new planning controls to stem the growth of HMOs across the city.

It has approved a new city-wide Article 4 Direction, which removes permitted development rights allowing family homes to be converted into small HMOs without the need for planning permission. This takes immediate effect on 23 October.

It follows a recent decision to support enhanced regulation of HMOs as part of wider efforts to improve housing standards, ensure balanced and sustainable communities, and give residents a greater voice in local development decisions.

Councillor Duncan Walker, cabinet member for safe and resilient communities and housing, says it’s essential their development is properly managed. “Introducing an Article 4 Direction will give the council greater oversight of new HMO proposals and ensure local communities have a say through the planning process,” he adds.

“This is about striking the right balance between meeting housing need and protecting the character, wellbeing and sustainability of our communities.”

Review

The authority reports that an independent review on the impact of HMOs in Stoke-on-Trent found that in all but one of the city’s wards, at least 1% of homes are HMOs, with significantly higher percentages in some urban areas.

The new rules would prevent clusters of HMOs appearing; new HMOs would not be allowed where they would mean that HMOs make up more than 5% of all residential properties within a 50-metre radius. There will also be a cap on the total number of HMOs within each ward set at 4% of residential properties for those already with a very high number of HMOs, 2.5% for wards where there are a high number, and 1.5% for all other wards. There also wouldn't be two HMOs side-by-side with a single frontage, and other homes would not be sandwiched between two HMOs.

The council will now launch a consultation process before any Direction can be confirmed.

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