Planning
Walsall Council opens consultation on new HMO planning controls
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Walsall Council has launched a consultation to get residents' views on proposed changes to planning control for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO).
Currently, property owners can convert a house or flat into a smaller HMO without planning permission under national legislation. A smaller HMO is classified as a house or flat occupied by between three and six unrelated individuals who share basic amenities.
Planning permission is already required for the development of any larger HMO occupied by more than six people.
On 11 September 2024, Walsall Council’s Cabinet made the recommendation for a non-immediate Article 4 Direction to be applied to the whole borough. Under this article, planning permission must be granted before any property is converted to a smaller or larger HMO.
“ Houses of Multiple Occupancy do play a role in ensuring housing provision across the borough.
“However, it is important they are implemented in a fair and strategic manner, protecting balanced and sustainable communities.
“Often poor management of HMOs can negatively impact the health of the immediate and neighbouring occupants. This can lead to an increase in fly-tipping, anti-social behaviour and waste accumulation.
“We think the additional planning controls will contribute towards removing these negative impacts. “
The results of this consultation will be reported back to the Cabinet. Should recommendations be approved, the Article 4 Direction would come into force from 1 October 2025 following a 12 month notice period.
From that date, anyone seeking to develop an HMO within the borough would need to obtain planning permission from the council prior to development. Planning application fees will apply, and these can be found on the council's website: Walsall Council Planning Fees and Other Charges.
The consultation can be found at https://walsallsays.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/article-4-direction-hmos/step1
Access to this information in an alternative format (large text, audio, or a community language) can be arranged by emailing consultations@walsall.gov.uk or calling 01922 650000.
The closing date for comments is 5pm on 11 November 2024.
Ends
Notes to editors:
Have your say on HMOs: https://walsallsays.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/article-4-direction-hmos/step1
More background information: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-policy/houses-multiple-occupation-hmo-consultation-article-4
