Proposal to control numbers of HMOs in county

MEASURES to control the amount of new Homes of Multiple Occupation (HMO) could be introduced in County Durham.

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Members of Durham County Council's Cabinet are set to discuss the possibility of undertaking a consultation on the introduction of a countywide Article 4 Direction for HMOs.

If implemented, the order would mean that all new HMOs would require planning approval, not just larger developments, which is currently the case. Coun Lyndsey Fox, Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “During the past few years, we have seena steady increase in HMOs, with the number rising more significantly since 2021.

“An overconcentration of this type of household can have a negative impact on day-to-day life for communities, often because of issues such as increased noise, the general appearance of properties, refuse management and parking issues.