New rules introduced to control HMO numbers

2 days ago

Dan MartinLeicester political reporter

BBC Traffic in Earl Shilton High Street. — The new rules cover streets in Earl Shilton

New rules are to come into force to try to control the number of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in parts of Leicestershire.

Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council said planning controls, known as an Article 4 direction, would apply to streets in Barwell and Earl Shilton.

The Liberal Democrat-run authority said the measure was a response to complaints from residents about issues linked to existing shared houses including parking problems, rubbish and noise disturbance.

After Friday, anyone wanting to turn family homes into shared houses will need to apply for planning permission.

The council said existing lawful HMOs in Barwell and Earl Shilton would not be affected by the new rules.

Officials said without Article 4 rules, properties could usually be converted into HMOs without planning permission.

Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council A map which shows where the Article 4 direction could be implemented — A map shows where the Article 4 direction will be implemented in Earl Shilton

Council leader Stuart Bray said the new rules were "about making sure new HMOs in the area are properly planned and managed".

More than 200 people took part in a consultation about the new rules and the council said 83% of responses supported tighter controls on HMOs.

The authority introduced controls on HMOs in parts of Hinckley town centre in May.

Bray said: "I'll be asking officers to continue keeping a close eye on this borough-wide, and if we see similar pressures building up elsewhere, we'll look to extend this into further areas."