Plans to halt HMOs delayed

ACTION NEEDED TO STOP THEM 'GETTING OUT OF CONTROL'

- By STUART ARNOLD

COUNCIL plans to give Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO) in Coatham, Redcar, less of a free rein won't come into force for another year.

It comes amid concern developers could lodge compensation claims if the scheme were brought in straight away.

A so-called article 4 direction will remove permitted development rights for small HMO conversions containing six or less unrelated occupants, which previously did not require planning permission.

The change, meaning certain developments will now be brought under planning control and require permission, will be subject to a public consultation with residents in the ward and require sign off from the secretary of state.

Andrew Carter, an assistant director of growth and enterprise at Redcar and Cleveland Council, told a scrutiny meeting a "year's grace" was being given with next October being the earliest the change would be made. Mr Carter said: "There's an element of frustration [as] we want to get on with it."