HMO petition calls for council to extend curbs

Residents have campaigned to stop new multi-occupant houses

A local authority has been urged to widen controls on houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).

A petition asking Durham County Council to inform people about new HMO applications in the East Durham area has been signed by 153 people.

Seaham councillor Kevin Shaw said it was a "real concern" the area did not have the same protection as the city centre.

However, the authority said the "very low" proportion of HMOs in East Durham meant it "cannot justify" imposing further restrictions.

Speaking at a scrutiny meeting on Tuesday, Dawdon ward councillor Mr Shaw said "much-needed and valuable family housing" was being converted to HMOs.

"We’re now seeing a growing number of applications for change of use from family homes in the wider county, including some of the most deprived areas, specifically in East Durham," he said.

“It’s causing real concern."

'Proliferation of HMOs'

Landlords must apply for planning permission to convert homes into HMOs for more than six people, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

However, in areas where there is evidence HMOs are causing a detrimental impact, the council can impose licensing conditions or, using an Article 4 direction, require planning permission to be sought.

Mr Shaw added some parts of East Durham were already covered by selective licensing schemes but low property values, anti-social behaviour and increased crime rates were being "further exacerbated by the proliferation of HMOs".

He said: "We all know HMOs provide much-needed housing, but we need to look at and understand the impact."

The council's head of planning and housing, Michael Kelleher, said it had introduced specific measures in Durham City because there were a high number of such properties.

“In East Durham, there is a very low proportion of HMOs and therefore we cannot justify applying to government for an Article 4 direction in this area," he said.