Council backing tighter planning rules on HMOS

SOME APPLICATIONS WILL NOW NEED CONSENT

- By LAUREN MONAGHAN Local Democracy Reporter

BASSETLAW District Council has backed a call to “tighten” planning rules for smaller houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).

An extraordinary meeting was held to debate a motion seeking to change the council's planning and licensing process for HMOs.

Councillor Fraser McFarland, Reform UK group leader, proposed the motion, which called for restriction of permitted development rights.

The motion also asked for a three-month deadline for council officers to report back to the cabi net and full council with detailed recommendations.

Council data suggests there are 169 HMOs of all sizes in the dis trict, making up less than 0.3% of Bassetlaw homes.

Under current rules, changing a home to a small HMO is “permit ted development”, meaning plan ning permission is not needed.