Birmingham introduces city-wide HMO restrictions

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Article 4 direction:

Birmingham City
Council is introducing a city-wide direction for houses in multiple
occupation (HMOs) from 8 June 2020.

An Article 4
planning direction means that planning approval will be required for
the conversion of a family house to an HMO, including small HMOs.
This means that all rental accommodation of between three and six
people, will now require planning approval. A present its only larger
HMOs that require it in Birmigham.

The Council says it
wants to be in a position to control the location and concentrations
of HMOs which can then be “more comprehensively managed across the
city.”

The direction is to
be supported by a proposed new planning policy set out within the
Development Management in Birmingham document. This change is subject
to a six-week public consultation period from 9 January 2020.

The Council says
that an existing direction for this purpose is already in force in
Selly Oak, Harborne and Edgbaston and “has been successful in
limiting the growth of HMOs in those areas.”

Ahead of the
direction coming into force, landlords are being advised to declare
existing HMOs to the council. Any existing HMOs declared after that
date are likely to require a retrospective planning application or a
certificate of lawful use, both of which will incur a charge. New
HMOs created after 8 June 2020 will require a planning application,
the Council says.

Councillor Sharon
Thompson, Cabinet Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods, says:

“Shared
accommodation or houses in multiple occupation provide an important
way of meeting the city’s housing needs. However, high
concentrations of HMOs can have a negative impact on the character of
neighbourhoods and create unbalanced communities.

“This direction will enable the council to manage the growth of HMOs across the city more effectively as any new proposals will be assessed in line with planning policies.”

When is permission required?

Further information about the city-wide direction and the process for declaring existing HMOs can be found at www.birmingham.gov.uk/hmoarticle4

(Image shows Birmingham City Hall)

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