27/01/2010 - Restrictions on shared housing
New measures to crack down on the spread of shared houses were announced by the Government today.
Under the plans there will be tougher controls on converting a property into a house in multiple occupation (HMO) and local councils will be given more flexibility to set up licensing schemes for landlords.
The unplanned spread of HMOs is a particular concern in university towns and cities, where they have been blamed for the creation of "ghost neighbourhoods" as shops and businesses close down when students leave for the summer, and in tourist resorts out of season.
Housing minister John Healey told MPs in a written statement: "The Government recognises the important contribution HMOs make to the private rented sector.
"They provide housing to meet the needs of specific groups and households and make a contribution to the overall provision of affordable housing stock.
"However, localised problems caused by high concentrations of HMOs have been highlighted as concerns in some towns and cities across the country."
Currently planning permission is only needed to convert larger properties with five or more occupants and three storeys.
Under the new proposals any property with three or more unrelated tenants will be categorised as a HMO and require planning permission.
The new planning powers will come into force on April 6.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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