Lack of 'robust evidence' for change to HMO rules in Rushcliffe

NO TIGHTENING OF PLANNING GUIDELINES NEEDED

- By JOSEPH CONNOLLY Local Democracy Reporter

LAWS on HMOs in part of Nottinghamshire will not be tightened after an investigation found there was “no robust evidence” to do so.

Rushcliffe Borough Council had agreed to look into whether legislation making it harder for landlords to turn properties into houses in multiple occupation was necessary after concerns were raised about how many there are in the district.

It came after a HMO on a cul-de-sac was found by Serco to be housing asylum seekers. Some residents only found out when an application to increase its size from six bedrooms to eight bedrooms was sent to the council.

But the council's cabinet has said an investigation has not provided enough reason to change the rules.

Housing cabinet member, Councillor Roger Upton said: “I understand the emotion and the call from certain individuals, but at the present time there is insufficient evidence to meet the legal threshold to justify such a (move) in Rushcliffe.”