Planning rules to curb HMOs slated for more areas

Rules that require shared houses to have planning permission look set to be extended amid concerns about a proliferation of house conversions.

Landlords in Reading who want to convert houses into homes in multiple occupation (HMOs) already face restrictions in some parts of the town.

Reading Borough Council is now seeking to extend the restrictions on permitted development rights to include more areas.

If agreed, any small HMO in the new zones that houses three to six unrelated people will require planning permission.

Planning councillor Micky Leng said: "There continues to be huge demand for private rental properties in Reading, and it follows that the number of HMOs we see being created is increasing.

"We know that a prevalence of HMOs in parts of our town can lead to issues in a local community. Examples include pressure on limited parking or multiple bin collections at HMO addresses.

"More fundamentally, HMOs can change the look, feel and character of a local neighbourhood, which existing residents understandably have concerns over."

In 2012, the authority introduced an Article 4 direction in much of Park, Redlands, and Katesgrove wards which removed the automatic permitted development rights allowing property owners to convert houses into a small HMOs without planning permission.

Following concerns about the number of HMOs outside the restricted area, residents were surveyed and a new proposal was drawn up to extend the zones in Park, Redlands and Katesgrove, and add parts of Church and Thames wards.

If agreed at Thursday's Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport Committee, a 21-day public consultation will follow before implementation.