Public urged to have their say on prospect of tighter regulations for HMOs in Hartlepool
Public urged to have their say on prospect of tighter regulations for HMOs in Hartlepool.
A consultation has begun on proposed new laws to help regulate the number and quality of houses in multiple occupancy (HMOs) in Hartlepool.
Hartlepool Development Corporation (HDC) is carrying out the engagement with the goal of implementing measures that will give the town more control over its housing development and help combat anti-social behaviour.
The new laws, known as an Article 4 Direction, would prevent landlords from converting a typical “dwelling house” into a small HMO, which can house three to six people, without first obtaining planning clearance.
The amendment affecting the HDC zone coincides with a separate plan by Hartlepool Borough Council that would impose similar limitations throughout the borough.
The restrictions were implemented following conversations with Cleveland Police, which revealed a correlation between high concentrations of HMOs and rising levels of anti-social conduct.
By implementing the new strategy, HDC hopes to better manage the spread and quality of HMOs in the area, ensuring that they contribute positively to Hartlepool’s housing needs while also helping redevelopment efforts.
It is proposed that the revised rules take effect 12 months after the public consultation.
HDC chair Mark Robinson emphasised the need of high-quality, affordable housing in Hartlepool’s recovery.
While HMOs play an important role in providing housing needs, we must also address the issues that they can cause for residents and areas if not properly managed.
“By introducing an Article 4 Direction, we will have greater ability to shape the housing market in a way that supports local families, protects communities, and delivers on our ambitions for the town.”
It comes as chiefs of development corporations have warned that poor quality or poorly managed HMOs, as well as an over-concentration of them in specific neighbourhoods, might cause issues.
These include increased anti-social behaviour, a more transient population, deterioration of housing conditions and property standards, parking and waste management concerns, and negative effects on community character and family home supply.
Details of the public consultation on the proposed Article 4 Direction are available at teesvalley-ca.gov.uk/about/hartlepool-development-corporation/. The measures would have no impact on proposals for huge HMOs,
accommodating more than six unrelated people, which already must always be subject to planning applications.
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