Marketing Derby backs call for HMO housing planning clampdown

Marketing Derby is backing calls for tighter planning controls for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in Derby.

Last month (Jan), Derby City Council published the results of an investigation conducted in the Arboretum area of the city, which mapped where shared properties are concentrated and looked for evidence that they are creating problems on the streets.

The study found that some residents were concerned that too many HMOs in one area creates problems, such as a lack of parking, anti-social behaviour and a deterioration of buildings.

Currently anyone who wants to convert a house into accommodation for six or more people needs planning permission, but this isn’t the case where the house will have fewer residents.

Conversion to a small HMO is considered permitted development under national government planning legislation.

To change this, the city council needs to apply to the Government for an Article 4 Direction under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

This can only be granted if the Secretary of State is satisfied that there is robust evidence that smaller HMOs are causing harm, in planning terms, to the local area.

If granted, the Article 4 direction would give the city council greater powers to control the number of HMOs within a defined area of the city and impose conditions to limit noise or provide adequate parking space or bin storage.

Last month, the council’s cabinet met to decide on the proposals.

A public consultation is now set to begin on 1 March – and Marketing Derby is submitting a letter to the city council backing the planning clampdown.

In the letter, John Forkin, managing director of Marketing Derby, writes: “Marketing Derby encourages the adoption of Article 4 planning conditions as a method in which to manage and thus block (if the council sees fit) poor quality HMO conversions.

“While we support the adoption of Article 4, we believe that these permissions should be implemented across all of the city’s wards – and not only specific locations, such as Derby city centre and the Arboretum ward.

“We also believe that if passed, these planning rules should be used to ensure previously converted HMOs also conform to quality standards.”

Councillor Shiraz Khan, the city council’s cabinet member for housing, property and regulatory services, said: “HMOs are a great housing option for lots of people, provided they are of a high quality.

“Having too many of them in one area can lead to anti-social behaviour and increased pressures on parking and other amenities.

“An Article 4 direction would give the council some control where HMOs are causing issues.”