Decision details

The Leader presented a report which detailed the outcomes of the draft Houses in Multiple Occupation Supplementary Planning Document (SPD13) consultation and sought approval for the final SPD to be formally adopted. It was noted that this had received cross-party support through a motion at Cabinet. Members discussed the difficulty in registering smaller HMOs built through permitted development rights, noting the Council’s small team, and requesting public to let officers or Councillors know of any HMOs in their area.

Decision:

Cabinet:

1. Noted the responses to the public consultation and the proposed post-consultation revisions;
2. Approved the revised SPD13 – Houses in Multiple Occupation as the final version to be adopted and published;
3. Delegated authority to the Executive Director (Place) to make any minor, non-material editorial amendments to the SPD; and
4. Approved the revocation of the existing SPD13 – Conversion of Buildings to Houses in Multiple Occupation.

Reasons for the decision:

• SPD13 provides additional detail and guidance on the implementation of existing Development Plan policies that are used to determine proposals for Houses in Multiple Occupation. It provides guidance on some of the key issues to be considered in determining planning applications for Houses in Multiple Occupation, setting out comprehensive guidance on location requirements and design considerations for new HMOs.
• The adoption of the document and revocation of the previous SPD13 would ensure that all relevant planning applications are considered against up-to-date policy guidance.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

To not adopt the revised SPD13 – Houses in Multiple Occupation.