Plans for tighter control over HMOs move closer

Plans for tighter controls on new houses of multiple occupation in a town have moved a step closer.

Hartlepool Borough Council's neighbourhood and regulatory services committee has recommended the council adopts an Article 4 Direction across the borough.

It would means anyone intending to turn a family home into a house of multiple occupation (HMO) needs planning permission regardless of size.

Subject to approval by Hartlepool councillors, the planning powers are expected to come into force on the first day of December 2026.

Under permitted development rules, smaller HMOs can be brought forward without planning permission and incoming Article 4 powers would essentially withdraw this automatic right.

A statutory consultation has already taken place, as well as an information-gathering exercise which showed public support, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

A report to the committee said smaller HMOs were "not coming under the control and monitoring of planning".

It said: "This could lead to a position whereby the true impact of HMOs is not being effectively considered or controlled, and the harm to resident amenity and wellbeing is not properly understood and managed.

"Bringing in an Article 4 Direction would give the council more decision-making power and therefore greater potential to manage the overall quality, location, and number of HMOs."

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