'HMO headache can be cured by shutting a planning loophole'

'Houses of Multiple Occupation' certainly is a mouthful to say... and these developments are often a handful, or even a headache, to live in or near.

- Gareth Snell - MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central

An HMO is defined as 'a property rented out by at least three people who are not from one 'household' (for example a family), but share facilities like the bathroom and kitchen'

The knock-on for neighbours can be noise, congestion, fly-tipping and even anti-social behaviour.

With up to eight residents sharing a single bin there are often piles of bin bags and rubbish too.

My inbox and mailbag show just how important this issue is to constituents.

It's one of the most frequently raised issues on the doorstep and people contact me asking for help, especially in areas like Birches Head and Hartshill.

That's why I'm working with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and pressing them to close a planning loophole which is allowing a growing number of these developments in our city.

I was most concerned recently when the council granted permission for the change of use to a large HMO containing eight bedrooms - yes, EIGHT BEDROOMS - including a loft conversion and dormer in Claridge Road, Hartshill.

The officer's delegated report highlighted that as the property could already be converted to a six-bedroom HMO under Permitted Development Rights (PDR), the Claridge Road application was 'only' adding an additional 2 bedrooms and potential cars.