Houses in Multiple Occupation: Proposed Article 4 Direction

Derby City Council is proposing to apply for more powers to regulate HMOs (House in Multiple Occupation). This follows an investigation in several central wards which mapped where shared properties are concentrated and looked at the problems that they are creating on the streets.

There is a growing market in the city for HMOs, and the study found that some residents are concerned that too many in one area creates problems such as a lack of parking, anti-social behaviour such as fly tipping, and a deterioration of buildings.

Currently anyone who wants to convert a house into accommodation for seven or more people needs planning permission, but this isn’t the case where the house will have fewer residents. Conversion to a small HMO is considered permitted development under national Government planning legislation.

To change this, the Council needs to apply to the Government for an Article 4 Direction under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. This can only be granted if the Secretary of State is satisfied that there is robust evidence that smaller HMOs are causing harm, in planning terms, to the local area.

The documents on the right hand side provide that evidence in more detail with incidences of such problems shown on maps. What we want to know is how do the HMOs in your area affect you.

The proposed Derby City Article 4 Direction applies to a large part of the central area of the City; this would include the whole of Arboretum Ward and those parts of Abbey, Alvaston North, Darley, Mackworth and New Zealand, Normanton, Sinfin and Osmaston that are within the Ring Road.

If granted, the Article 4 Direction would give the Council greater powers to control the number of HMOs within a defined area of the city and impose conditions to limit noise or provide adequate parking space or bin storage.

How can I have my say?

Please tell us how HMOs in your area affect you. You can either email your representations to Developmentcontrol@derby.gov.uk or alternatively, post any written representations to:

Chief Planning Officer, Derby City Council, The Council House, Corporation Street, Derby, DE1 2FS

Any written representations received during this consultation will be considered by the Council before confirming the Direction. This Article 4 Direction consultation to support the Council gain more regulatory powers is open from Tuesday 2 April 2024 until Friday 31 May 2024.

If you would like the consultation documents in an alternative format such as hard copy, please contact Developmentcontrol@derby.gov.uk