Decision details

The Cabinet Member for Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Growth presented a report seeking approval to carry out consultation on the Draft Houses in Multiple Occupation Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). This would provide guidelines and key considerations for the determination of planning applications for Houses in Multiple Occupation. The aim of the SPD is to avoid an over-concentration of HMOs and ensure that they provide suitable living standards for future occupants and reduce potential for detrimental impacts on local communities. It was noted that the consultation period had been increased from 4 to 6 weeks, owing to the time of year.

In response to Members’ questions it was noted that there were deep concerns about the growing concentration of HMOs, which could change local housing markets and potentially limit opportunities for larger families. The Leader advised he was confident that there were sufficient grounds to propose the Article 4 Directive but it was ultimately up to the Planning Committee to make a decision on this, with advice from planning officers and specialists. If agreed, and the consultation approved, there would be some flexibility in the implementation period, but this would likely be a matter of weeks rather than months considering the long, public debate and consultation as well as the pressing need. It was noted that a decision on implementation would likely come early in the new year, with the views from other Party Leaders being sought. In response to other Member comments, it was agreed that a Member Development session would be arranged for all  councillors, in order to refresh their knowledge and support their role in representing local residents at Planning meetings.

Decision:

Cabinet:

1.    Approved the draft Houses in Multiple Occupation SPD as the basis for a six-week public consultation commencing December 2025; and

2.    Delegated approval to the Executive Director of Place to undertake the public consultation and make minor non-material modifications to the draft Houses in Multiple Occupation Supplementary Planning Document before consultation commences.

Reasons for the decision:

To ensure that all stakeholders are given the opportunity to have their say on the draft Houses in Multiple Occupation Supplementary Planning Document.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

To not approve the SPD for consultation. This would prevent stakeholders from commenting on the SPD and would prevent the Council from being able to proceed to adopt the SPD because it is a statutory requirement that such documents must be consulted on before adoption.