Council to launch clampdown after HMO 'explosion'

Bennett Street has been labelled as a problem area by the local MP

Erewash Borough Council says it will begin the process of tightening the rules on houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) amid concerns amongst councillors about an "explosion" in the properties.

The authority says it also intends to apply further scrutiny on HMO landlords "who break the rules".

Councillors want to enact an Article 4 direction across the entire urban part of Erewash, including Long Eaton, Ilkeston, Sawley, Cotmanhay, Kirk Hallam and Sandiacre.

It is in response in particular to concerns around Bennett Street in Long Eaton, which the local MP Adam Thompson said was being "taken over" by the properties.

An Article 4 direction would ensure that a change of use for a house or flat that will house between three and six unrelated people will need planning permission from the council.

It follows similar action taken recently in Derby which introduced requirements for landlords needing planning permission to convert a small home for up to six unrelated tenants.

The council claims there has been "significant growth" in HMOs in Ilkeston and Long Eaton in particular over the past few years, though no figures have been publicised by the authority to demonstrate this.

The Labour-led council also says it will begin taking planning enforcement action against HMO landlords and developers who do not follow certain planning regulations.

Issues such as a lack of adequate living space and conversions to en-suites which the authority dubs unlawful under regulations has been dubbed a "serious problem" by council leaders.

The authority has started the process of gathering evidence on the social impacts of HMOs and will also need to justify to the government why the rules should apply to the areas it has specified.

It plans to bring the details of its evidence to a meeting of the council executive in the autumn.

If approved, the plans would be subject to a public consultation, before then being submitted for government approval.

It is thought this would be followed by a roughly year-long implementation period.

Particular concerns have been raised about the amount of HMO conversions that have recently been taking place in Bennett Street

Erewash's lead member for planning and regeneration Curtis Howard said the council wanted to ensure "rules are being followed".

"Up until now, rogue HMO landlords and developers have had a free hand to do whatever they like – shielded from scrutiny because most HMOs don't need planning permission," he said.

"In the long-term, the only way to get this problem under control is to enact an Article 4 – just like they have in Nottingham, Derby, and Beeston."

The Labour MP for the area Adam Thompson also welcomed the move after expressing concerns about conversion activity in Bennett Street that residents said was causing road obstruction with multiple skips and building waste.

The MP said he was "genuinely aghast" when he visited the street.

"I'm very glad to see the council taking action to make sure these places are actually fit for people to live in – homes, not prison cells," he said.

The leader of the Conservatives in Erewash Wayne Major said: "The issue isn't HMOs themselves but Erewash Labour's failure to enforce planning and tackle ASB [anti-social behaviour] over the last two-and-a-half years.

"Properly-run HMOs provide affordable housing, especially for young people starting out. What's needed is a real crackdown on all rogue landlords – whether HMOs, flats, or houses – who ignore their responsibilities."

Councillor Jodie Brown from Reform UK in Erewash said she welcomed the move.

"HMOs play an important role in providing single-person accommodation, but without proper oversight, tenants can be taken advantage of by unregulated landlords," she said.