Concerned residents in the East Durham Communities Standing Together group are calling for great controls to manage the number of homes converted into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
Durham County Council was earlier this year warned some of the county’s most deprived areas were being targeted by private landlords.
Landlords or agents must apply for planning permission to convert homes into HMOs for more than six people. If the landlord or agent rents out a house to six occupants or fewer, it is considered permitted development, and planning permission is not required.
But the campaigners are urging the local authority to introduce new measures in the area, known as an Article Four Direction, to manage the number of HMOs.
Speaking at a full council meeting, Matt Tough said: “Members, our town councils, and the public were presented with a document which shows that the council has the power to apply Article Four directions to limit any potential proliferation.
“The document also provided robust evidence as to why the council should apply Article 4 Directions across East Durham, for example, to prevent any further increases in crime in East Durham. Will the council apply immediate Article 4 Directions?”
Residents want to protect their communities from a rise in crime and anti-social behaviour, which they warned has increased since HMOs opened in the region.
Durham County Council said there remains a low proportion of HMOs in East Durham and there is no evidence that they are causing issues. However, it agreed to write to the government and suggest changes to how Article Four Directions are granted.
Councillor James Rowlandson, cabinet member for resources, investment, and assets, said: “We recognise the role HMOs can play in providing accommodation and the council also acknowledges that some communities are expressing concerns about the introduction of HMOs in some areas.
“We are aware that an Article Four Direction, in specific circumstances, can be made to extend the need for planning permission for smaller HMOs.
“It is important to note, however, that under national guidance the test to implement an Article Four Direction would require a level of intake that is not currently evidenced for the area proposed. It should also be noted that an Article Four Direction would apply to a specific area.
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“Members of this council will be aware that we are under pressure to meet the needs of all our residents, which may be exacerbated by recent proposals by the government to deliver higher housing targets going forward.
“However, as a proactive step, regarding the following concerns raised by some residents, the council has submitted comments in response to the recent consultation on changes to the national planning policy framework and has written separately to Angela Rayner MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, regarding the process for Article Four Direction being granted.
“HMOs are also subject to licensing requirements, which remain the key mechanism that local authorities have to ensure they operate properly. If members of the public have any specific concerns regarding any issues they should be reported to the council for further investigation.”
