Council plans tougher HMO Article 4 rules in County Durham

Tougher rules are set to be introduced to combat the rapid increase in Homes in Multiple Occupation (HMO). 

Councillors will vote on plans to force all HMOs, regardless of size, to go through the full planning process under Article 4 regulations. Currently, properties for between three and six residents can be converted without receiving planning permission. 

Concerned residents say the increase in HMOs has negatively impacted their neighbourhoods. 

Councillor Lyndsey Fox, cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “During the past few years, we have seen a steady increase in HMOs, with the number rising more significantly since 2021.

“An overconcentration of this type of household can have a negative impact on day-to-day life for communities, often because of issues such as increased noise, the general appearance of properties, refuse management and parking issues.

“However, they can also have more long-term implications, such as a loss of family housing and an impact on community cohesion due to a more transient population.

“We hope the measure we’re proposing will allow us to control the number of HMOs and lead to better distribution, helping to maintain mixed and balanced communities across the county.”

Article 4 regulations are currently in place in areas around Durham City popular with students. Now, members of Durham County Council’s cabinet will consider undertaking a consultation on the introduction of a countywide order. 

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Councillors in Darlington recently approved a similar proposal. 

Cllr Fox added: “We already use a range of powers to crackdown on HMO-related issues, such as planning and licensing enforcement and environmental health notices. We also have a successful selective licensing scheme, where all HMOs in allocated areas require a licence whatever their size.

“However, we are still hearing concerns from residents about the impact such properties are having in our communities, so are now looking at additional action. Furthermore, implementing the Article 4 Direction across the county will avoid concentrations of HMOs in alternative locations to where we are seeing issues now.”