Issue - meetings

As detailed in the recommendation.

Councillor Bithell introduced the Draft Interim Housing in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Developer Advice Note report which sought approval of the Advice Note.

            Concerns had been raised previously by Members on the lack of specific policy controls when dealing with an increasing pattern of applications for HMO development being considered at Planning Committee.

            It was acknowledged that there was no specific policy in the Unitary Development Plan (UDP) that related to the considerations required to assess the suitability of an application for a HMO. 

            The Chief Officer (Planning, Environment and Economy) explained that the guidance provided in the Advice Note comprised three key parts:

1.    Standards relating to room space, general amenity, provision of facilities, and parking relating to the development of a HMO and the living conditions relating to future occupants;

2.    Additional standards and requirements to those in Part 1, relating to the development of stand-alone flats or mixed flat and bedsit accommodation; and

3.    Specific requirements relating to the consideration of the living conditions of neighbouring non-HMO properties, including impacts on the character of an area.

The next steps would be to make the Advice Note available for consultation in order to then consider any responses, amend as appropriate/if required and formally adopt as a material planning consideration alongside the UDP.

Councillors Butler and Mullin welcomed the report which would assist with future planning applications.

RESOLVED:

That the content of the Draft Interim HMO Developer Advice Note be approved, and for it to be published for public consultation at the earliest possible opportunity.