From today (Friday 12 June), landlords will need planning permission for all HMOs
- Planning permission now required for turning family homes into a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO)
- New rules come into effect today (Friday 12 June)
- The Article 4 Direction was approved at Cabinet last night.
The London Borough of Harrow last night approved the new Article 4 Direction. The change gives the council greater control over HMOs and helps address common concerns raised by residents, including noise, rubbish, anti-social behaviour and pressure on finding family-sized housing.
This is in connection with Harrow’s new Local Plan and will help protect the character of the borough from inappropriate development. Up until now smaller HMOs with 3-6 unrelated people did not require planning permission and were automatically allowed the change under Permitted Development.
Cllr Marilyn Ashton, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration, said:
“This decision is about protecting family homes and preserving the character of our borough. It will help ensure shared housing is provided in the right places and to the right standards. Residents have often told us about some of their issues and concerns they have and we’ve listened. This is a significant step that puts residents first and gives us stronger powers to manage the impact of smaller HMOs. ”
Watch Cllr Marilyn Ashton explain more: