New planning rules aimed at managing growth of HMOs

Council chiefs in out Tyneside are aiming to introduce new planning rules to managing the growth of homes of multiple occupation (HMOs) in the borough.

- by Tom Patterson

South Tyneside Council's cabinet will this week be asked to approve a new planning measure aimed at managing the growth of smaller-scale HMOs with the introduction of a borough-wide Article 4 Direction.

This would mean that all new HMOs-regardless of their size-would need planning approval.

Currently, property owners can convert homes into small HMOswith three to six occupants - without the need for planning permission. Only larger developments require this.