Planning motion approved in bid to tackle HMO rise

Barrow Town Council unanimously agreed the motion for a neighbourhood plan

A town council has unanimously passed a motion to create a neighbourhood plan in an effort to tackle the rise of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

Barrow Town Council agreed to create the formal planning document, which it said would give residents a greater say in the type of buildings being developed.

The motion, proposed by Conservative councillor Niyall Phillips, said the town was facing "significant" change in property development, with "increasing pressure" on available housing.

Phillips said: "A neighbourhood plan will protect important community assets we all value and apply limitations to the number of HMOs in Barrow."

He added the work would ensure there would be "the right homes and services in the right places", reports the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The motion asked to establish a working group of councillors, residents and stakeholders to oversee the development of the neighbourhood plan.

HMOs linked to jobs

Councillor Andy Coles, the area's Labour group leader, said the rise in HMOs was linked to the growth of the nearby shipyard, a major employer in Cumbria.

"There needs to be a sensible level of HMOs, for example Liverpool Council is moving towards Article 4 changes that will mean all HMOs over three people have to go to planning committee," Coles said.

An Article 4 Direction, is a rule that councils can implement, which require owners to apply for planning permission before creating HMOs.

Currently, properties for between three and six people can be converted without permission.

Westmorland and Furness Council, the area's planning authority, said it was "looking forward to supporting Barrow Town Council" in creating a neighbourhood plan.

A spokesman said: "The purpose of a neighbourhood development plan is to empower local people to take a proactive role in shaping the future of the areas in which they live or work."