Decision details

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal and Democratic Governance) reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Sheila Bailey.

Councillor Bailey reported on the problems caused by the increasing concentration of houses on multiple occupation (HMOs) particularly in the Central Stockport area, which in some cases had changed the character of the area. HMOs provided useful accommodation, particularly for people moving into an area, but it was their concentration that had become problematic, compounded by the fact that planning permission was not required for smaller HMOs.

Members were advised that an Article 4 direction could be made by a local planning authority to restrict the scope of permitted development rights, either in relation to a particular area or site, or a particular type of development anywhere in the authority’s area.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         There was a need for HMOs, but this was not necessarily in residential streets.

·         The problems were causing residents, particularly families, to move out of the Central Stockport area.

·         An Article 4 direction in relation to HMOs should be adopted by the Council in advance of the Local Plan being finalised.

RESOLVED – That this Area Committee recommends that the Council adopts an Article 4 Directive with regard to Houses in Multiple Occupation as a matter of urgency.