Changes to HMO rules
Changes to HMO planning rules will come into force later this year, if given cabinet approval this month.
At the meeting on June 28, members will vote on new planning rules, which will mean all applications for a HMO (house of multiple occupation) from September 15, regardless of size, will have to go through the full planning process.
urrently people can change the use of a property to a small HMO (between three and six occupiers) under permitted development rights, without the need for planning permission.
Members voted in favour of a motion to change HMO rules in October 2021.
The council gathered evidence to support the move to change planning requirements and a public consultation has also taken place.
Councillor Paul Bradley, deputy leader of Dudley Council, said:
We have been through a thorough and lengthy process to deliver on the motion that was first put to full council in October 2021.
These changes if approved will bring consistency across the HMO sector. It will allow us to ensure all HMOs deliver an appropriate standard of living for residents and that they complement existing and planned developments in our neighbourhoods.
The evidence gathered during this process made it clear that the unchecked creation of HMOs undermined our ability to plan developments in our neighbourhoods
If the new HMO rules are approved by cabinet, they will then be ratified by the council’s planning committee in July, before coming into force in September.
The council can make these changes under Article 4(a) of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) following a consultation with the public.