Council to get a grip on rising HMO numbers with new rules

DEVELOPERS WILL NEED TO FILE PLANNING APPLICATIONS TO CONVERT PROPERTIES AND BE REGISTERED

- By EDDIE BISKNELL

NEW restrictions on HMOs in Derbyshire towns and villages are set to be introduced to curb a surge in “cramped”, “rabbit hutch” accommodation.

Erewash Borough Council's Labour executive is set to adopt the HMO (houses in multiple occupancy) restrictions at a meeting this week in response to continued public lobbying over the issue.

The new restrictions - known as an Article 4 direction - will make it mandatory for developers and landlords aiming to convert a property into a HMO to file a planning application.

As it stands, conversions of properties into HMOs with up to six bedrooms do not need to file planning applications though some choose to, while it is already essential to submit plans for conversions of seven-bedroom or more properties.

Maps of the intended areas of the HMO restrictions show one area covering all of Ilkeston, including Cotmanhay and Little Hallam, and bridging across to encircle all of Kirk Hallam.

Meanwhile, the second area would cover most, but not all, of Long Eaton, and parts of Sandiacre and Sawley.

When the council last debated the issue in November, councillors made clear that they wanted to gain a better idea and control over the amount of properties being converted and to ensure they are all sufficiently regulated.