Councillors close the door on new multi occupation homes

Campaigners have welcomed a landmark move to slam the door shut on new houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) opening without planning permission in South Tyneside.

- by Gareth Crickmer

They say a decision by councillors to clamp down on HMOs is a victory for residents fed up with some neighbourhoods being blighted by multi-occupancy houses.

The council's cabinet unanimously approved the issuing of a directive prohibiting an HMO of any size opening without official consent.

Known as Article 4, it immediately compels all applicants looking to open an HMO-regardless of its size-to seek planning approval.

Previously, only properties with seven or more people were required to do so-a policy opponents had claimed had led to a proliferation of HMOs in the borough-which they say is causing unrest and anger among neighbouring homeowners in some areas.

This includes Westoe Road, in South Shields, where residents and councillors raised concerns last month.