Decision details

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport seeking approval and adoption of a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) setting out guidance on how to assess planning applications for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO). 

This guidance will start to be used when the Article 4 direction removing the permitted development rights for converting a dwelling from a C3 (dwelling house) to C4 (HMO) comes into effect on 23 March 2012.  The SPD will provide more detail on how policies H 4 of the Local Plan Review and CS 16 of the Core Strategy will be applied when assessing planning applications. 

On consideration of a report by the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, Cabinet agreed the following:

(i)  To consider the comments received during the consultation exercise undertaken on the Houses in Multiple Occupation Supplementary Planning Document as set out in the Schedule of Comments attached as Appendix 1.

(ii)  To adopt the Houses in Multiple Occupation Supplementary Planning Document attached as Appendix 2 on 23^rd March 2012.

(iii)  To delegate authority to the Senior Manager, Planning Transport and Sustainability to make minor editing changes to the document prior to publication. 

1. The final version of the SPD needs to be adopted in order that it provides guidance when determining planning applications for HMOs when the Article 4 direction becomes effective on 23^rd March 2012.
2. The statutory processes for preparing SPDs require the council to consider the responses made during the formal consultation period and make amendments to the SPD if appropriate. 

Not approve and adopt the SPD. This would mean that there would be no detailed guidance available for officers, developers and the general public on how planning applications for HMOs will be determined when the Article 4 direction becomes operative on 23^rd March 2012.