Multiple occupancy home plan for Gloucester delayed

The rules over homes of multiple occupancy in Gloucester could be changed

A proposal to require planning permission for homes being converted to multiple occupation properties has been delayed.

If three tenants live in a home forming more than one household, and share facilities like a toilet, it is deemed a home of multiple occupancy.

A survey for Gloucester City Council is under way to gather evidence on whether family homes are being converted.

One councillor said the survey had suffered "delay after delay".

Liberal Democrat Jeremy Hilton asked council chiefs when the housing stock survey would be published.

"I was promised a report would be published at the end of the summer. It has now been delayed another two seasons," he said.

HMOs are an issue of particular concern in Kingsholm, where too many family homes are being converted, according to civic chiefs.

This is being done without planning permission being needed, as it is currently permitted development for six people or less to live in.

However, once a survey is complete, the council will be able to require planning application to convert such properties.

The Conservatives said the results would be reported to cabinet in March 2024.

Councillor Stephanie Chambers said it was regrettable the results were not out yet.

"If we can bring it out sooner we will," she said.