TAMESIDE Council is set to tighten up rules on houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) being developed.
The number of properties with several people living in them, often with communal cooking and dining facilities, has been at the centre of controversy in several areas of the borough.
It is estimated 188 licensed properties currently exist, but it is conceded: “It is accepted that this is an underestimate of the total number.”
Now the authority is likely to introduce new regulations – what is called an article four direction – that would see all HMOs require planning permission.
Currently, only larger facilities housing seven or more people need the formal go ahead from the council.
But if a proposal gets the go ahead at the meeting of Tameside’s executive cabinet on Wednesday, September 24, will be a requirement for all HMOs, including ones for between three and six people.
Tameside Council says: “This will give the council greater control over where shared homes are developed and how they impact local communities.
“Importantly, this will include the ability to give residents and stakeholders a voice through the planning process.”
Documents add: “High concentrations of HMOs can have a detrimental impact on local housing areas.
“For example, they can involve a more intense use of a dwelling, may increase additional noise pollution, parking demands and pressure on local services.
“Through generally having a more transient population they can also impact on social cohesion.
“It is considered the criteria for making an immediate direction has been met.
“This is due to the significant increase in recent small HMO developments coming forward as permitted development, without the ability for the local planning authority to manage and control the amenity of the proposed occupants and neighbours, the concentration of HMOs in any single location and the management of important elements such as parking provision and bin storage.
“It is therefore considered that an immediate article 4 direction is essential to the proper planning of Tameside and will protect the amenity of existing and proposed occupiers.
“It is expected that 2025 will result in the greatest number of HMO applications to date.
“Tameside is a relatively deprived borough, with house prices being lower than the national average.
“Such low house prices make Tameside an attractive place for speculative landlords to buy property for conversion to HMOs.”
Currently, five other Greater Manchester boroughs have article four directions.
And Councillor Andrew McLaren, Tameside Council’s deputy leader for growth, housing and homelessness said: “This is about ensuring we maintain a balanced mix of housing, allowing us to manage the impacts of greater HMO pressures in our communities and offering improved oversight for future HMO developments to make sure shared housing is safe and well-planned for our residents.
“We’re acting on residents’ concerns and taking steps to manage the impact of higher HMO concentrations.
“These changes will give communities a voice via the planning process and ensure shared housing is developed responsibly.”