Sandwell Council tightens rules for houses of multiple occupation

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 06:08 · Archive

Sandwell Council has approved new rules requiring all new houses of multiple occupation to obtain planning permission.

Sandwell Council has approved new rules requiring all applications for houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) to go through the council's planning process. Previously, homes could be converted into small HMOs—shared housing for three to six people—under permitted development rights without planning permission. The article 4 direction comes into immediate effect and does not apply to existing HMOs, nor does it ban HMOs in the borough.

The tighter restrictions were brought in over concerns about the number and concentration of HMOs in the borough, as well as concerns over parking, litter, crime and anti-social behaviour, changes to neighbourhood character and loss of family housing. The plans were approved by Sandwell Council's cabinet on 14 October. Cllr Ray Nock, Reform UK leader of Sandwell Council, said the council had received many representations on the subject from across the borough.

Sandwell Council becomes the last local authority in the region to enact article 4 rights. Neighbouring Dudley, Wolverhampton, Walsall and Birmingham councils already have the rules in place.

How it is being reported

• Reform UK approves new rule for HMOs in Sandwell saying 'democracy'The change means all new HMOs in the borough will have to obtain planning permission firstBirminghamLive · 16 Oct, 05:30
• Sandwell Council approves tougher new rule for HMOs in the boroughEvery application for an HMO will now be forced to go through the local authority’s planning processExpress & Star · 16 Oct, 02:00

In this story: Sandwell Council · Sandwell · Reform UK · Ray Nock · Dudley · Wolverhampton · Walsall · Birmingham

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