22 August 204: New Planning regulations for some small HMOs
*** Repost From Spelthorne Borough Council ***
It was agreed at Spelthorne Council’s Corporate Policy and Resources Committee on 15 April 2024, that an Article 4 Direction is to be introduced across the wards of Staines (not Staines South), Ashford North & Stanwell South, and Stanwell North.
At present, planning permission is not required to convert a dwelling house into a small House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) for up to six individuals. Once the Article 4 Direction has come into effect, this change of use will require planning permission. Planning permission is already required to convert a dwelling house into a large HMO, occupied by seven or more individuals. This will remain unchanged.
The Article 4 Direction was signed on 21 August 2024 and will come into effect on 29 August 2025. The Council is consulting on the Direction until 14 October 2024, with comments accepted by email at art4.planning@spelthorne.gov.uk or in writing at the Council Offices (Spelthorne Borough Council, Council Offices, Knowle Green, Staines-upon-Thames, TW18 1XB).
The Direction can be viewed at Ashford, Stanwell and Staines Libraries, the Council Offices in Knowle Green and on the Council’s website at https://www.spelthorne.gov.uk/Art4
Chair of the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee, Cllr Joanne Sexton, said:
“The Corporate Policy and Resources Committee resolved to serve an Article 4 Direction in those three wards with the highest number of complaints against HMOs. This will give the Local Planning Authority powers to consider the impacts of small HMOs in these three wards. The remaining wards in the Borough are being monitored and the Committee will also be considering these.”
Issues with a HMO?
If you are aware of any issues with a HMO, then SBC want to hear from you. Please get in touch by Email: eh.residential@spelthorne.gov.uk
Phone: 01784 446251
or by emailing your ward councillor.
More information about HMOs is available on Spelthorne Borough Council’s website.