Houses in multiple occupation, also known as houses of multiple occupancy, is a British English term which refers to residential properties where ‘common areas’ exist and are shared by more than one household.
Further consultation has begun asking people for their views on the introduction of a HMO Article 4 direction, which would help to manage the number and location of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Lincoln.
City of Lincoln Council’s Executive agreed in December last year to pursue the implementation of an Article 4 Direction after an initial consultation exploring options to better manage HMOs in the city.
This direction would give the council more control over the amount and location of HMOs, as it would mean home owners and property developers would need to apply for planning permission to convert a house into a HMO.
Around 60 public notices were put up around the city earlier in February advising of the formal consultation, which ran for three weeks until Friday, March 20.
There are strict regulations governing the introduction of Article 4 directions. These ensure the implementation of the decision is lawful and this consultation is one of the stages in the process.
Those who have already taken part in prior consultations and shared their contact details with the council will be notified directly that the current consultation is taking place. The council will also be contacting residents’ associations, landlords and other community groups.
Further consultation on the issues that would be considered in determining a planning application to convert a house into a HMO will take place later in the year. If agreed, the Article 4 direction will come into force on March 1, 2016.
Following a consultation exercise in respect of the options available to the city council for the future management and control of houses in multiple occupation, the council has made an Article 4 direction, relating to houses in multiple occupation, for the whole of the City of Lincoln Council area.
The direction relates to development comprising the change of use from a use falling within Class C3 (dwellinghouses) of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1997, as amended; to a use falling within Class C4 (houses in multiple occupation) of that Order, and removes permitted development rights for this type of development.
Planning permission will therefore be required for change of use from Class C3 to C4 from 1 March 2016, subject to the consideration of representations and confirmation by the city council.
We’d be very interested in knowing if you’re affected as a landlord, tenant or resident.