A campaign against the spread of HMOs in Gravesham, Kent, has won backing from hundreds of local residents, and pushed forward the council’s plans for introducing an Article 4 Direction.

Supporters of the “Say No to HMOs” campaign fear increasing numbers of shared houses could turn streets into “transient communities” and damage the family nature of established neighbourhoods.

The change in rules would mean planning permission would be required for smaller HMOs.

Such a direction means we will be able to control the location and concentration of HMOs.”

Shane Mochrie-Cox (pictured), Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning and Business Development, told KentOnline: “Once in place, such a direction means we will be able to control the location and concentration of HMOs to protect the character and amenities of local neighbourhoods, environmental quality, and public health.”

He said the vast majority of landlords “work with us to ensure standards are being raised, but we are all too aware that some are failing in their duties.”

The councillor added: “Our private housing team has an excellent track record of investigating and taking action against unlicensed HMOs and will continue to do so.

Minimum fine

“Rogue landlords need to be aware that since the Renters’ Rights Act came into force at the start of May, they now face a minimum £17,000 fine.”

The council’s records show it received an average of five reports of suspected unlicensed HMOs a month and, at the end of March, was investigating 18 properties.

There were also 107 licensed HMOs in Gravesham at the end of March, with a further 14 licence applications under consideration.