Decision details

It was RESOLVED that Cabinet:

a)               confirms that there is insufficient evidence to meet the legal threshold to justify an Article 4 Direction to remove or restrict permitted development rights for Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in the Borough;

b)               requests that the number of HMOs and complaints received continues to be monitored; and

c)        requests that the matter is referred to Communities Scrutiny Group at the July meeting to scrutinise the following key lines of enquiry:

·                  Is there a robust evidence base demonstrating harm or risk of harm?

·                  What are the likely impacts – intended and unintended – of introducing an Article 4 Direction to remove or restrict permitted development rights for HMOs?

·                  Is making a Direction proportionate, enforceable and aligned with local and national policy?