Another big council to clampdown on HMOs with tighter planning rules
Walsall is consulting on plans that will force both the owners of smaller Houses in Multiple Occupation to apply for planning permission.
Walsall Council has begun a consultation process to get resident, landlord and agent views on major changes to its policy on HMOs which would require the owners of both large and small ones to apply for planning permission.
Under the council’s current powers, property owners can convert a house or flat into a smaller HMO without planning permission. A smaller HMO is classified as a house or flat occupied by between three and six unrelated individuals who share basic amenities.
Planning permission is already required for the development of any larger HMOs that are occupied by more than six people.
Walsall Council’s Cabinet has now recommended that a ‘non-immediate’ Article 4 Direction be applied borough-wide, which would mean planning permission would have to be sought before any property could be converted into an HMO, whether large or small.
Councillor Adrian Andrew, Associate Leader of Walsall Council says: “Houses of Multiple Occupancy play a role in ensuring housing provision across the borough.
“However, it is important they are implemented in a fair and strategic manner, protecting balanced and sustainable communities.
Poor management of HMOs can negatively impact the health of the immediate and neighbouring occupants.”
“Often poor management of HMOs can negatively impact the health of the immediate and neighbouring occupants. This can lead to an increase in fly-tipping, anti-social behaviour and waste accumulation.
“We think the additional planning controls will contribute towards removing these negative impacts. “
Should the recommendations be approved, the Article 4 Direction would come into force from 1 October 2025 following a 12-month notice period.
The consultation can be found here.
