Council to bring in stricter rules for small HMOs

Three parts of Peterborough would be affected

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) will be subjected to stricter rules in parts of Peterborough next year.

From January 2024, HMOs with between three and six tenants would be required to obtain planning permission in Fletton and Woodston, the Hamptons and Park Ward.

Previously, HMO planning consent was only required for seven or more tenants living in a house.

The introduction of this Article 4 Direction came after Peterborough City Council wrote to Secretary of State for Housing, Michael Gove, for permission.

The new rule was enacted after residents were consulted. Feedback showed noise, litter, anti-social behaviour and parking were the issues of most concern.

Councillor Peter Hiller, cabinet member for housing, growth and regeneration at PCC, said: “Small HMOs are a great housing option for many people, but as the city grows, we want to better regulate all types of HMOs so we can ensure any problems that may arise for communities can be addressed.

"We want to help our communities to thrive and make sure tenants in HMOs live in safe and healthy homes.

"There has been cross-party members’ support for an Article 4 Direction in these three areas of the city and it is one of many ways we’re trying to improve the quality of private sector accommodation and avoid an overconcentration of HMOs in a specific area.”

Small HMOs already in existence prior to the Article 4 Direction would not need to apply for planning consent and an application for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) can be made to prove this.

The Article 4 Direction would be in force for two years.