New powers to curb the spread of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) across County Durham are set to be introduced in August, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.
Durham County Council has developed an interim planning policy to be used alongside new county-wide rules, requiring planning permission for all new HMOs.
The move follows a decision last year to extend Article 4 Directions beyond Durham City and the surrounding areas to cover the entire county.
HMOs have been increasing outside Durham City and residents have raised concerns about their impact on local communities, the council said.
Under the proposed policy, planning applications for new HMOs would be refused if any of the 10 nearest properties were already HMOs. The rules would also prevent a family home from being “sandwiched” between two HMOs or between an HMO and a non-residential property.
Applications would also be rejected where HMOs would account for more than 10% of residential properties within a 100-metre radius of the site.
The authority said the policy was designed to prevent an overconcentration of HMOs, protect neighbouring residents and ensure a high standard of accommodation for tenants.
A consultation found many residents supported stronger controls on HMO developments, including measures to limit their numbers and improve living standards.
Respondents raised concerns about the loss of family housing, pressure on local services and issues relating to community safety, while calling for greater oversight of the sector.
Councillor Dawn Bellingham, cabinet member for communities and civic resilience, said the authority was “pleased to see support” for the proposals.
She said: “Evidence has shown that they have been steadily increasing outside of the city, and we understand the concern this is causing.
“We have taken the feedback gathered during the consultation period on board to strengthen the policy, which should now address residents’ concerns more effectively.”
She added the council believed the measures would help maintain “mixed and balanced communities” across County Durham.
The interim policy will remain in place alongside the existing County Durham Plan, while HMO policies are reviewed as part of work on a new county-wide development plan.
Durham County Council’s cabinet is due to discuss the proposals on July 1 before making a recommendation to full council on whether to adopt the policy.
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
