Strict controls on the conversion of Worcester properties into HMOs have been put in place by the local council.
It is now only possible to convert a property into an HMO if, within a 100 metre radius, no more than 10 per cent of housing is already classed as HMOs. A spokesman for the council says this is to ensure there is a sustainable level of HMOs across the city.
Since July 1 planning permission has been needed to convert a house into an HMO if it is to be occupied by between three and six unrelated individuals.
The new rules will be put into practice for the first time tomorrow but Worcester is one of the first planning authorities to put in place additional restrictions. If such constraints follow
the pattern of landlord licensing, they will be pursued by many other authorities in future.
The full controls are as follows:
- The proportion of HMOs with a 100-metre radius does not exceed 10 per cent;
- Giving planning permission would not create more than two adjacent HMOs;
- There is enough off-street parking;
- Access is available for emergency vehicles;
- Appropriate waste and recycling storage is provided;
- The character of the area is not adversely affected;
- Health & safety and other standards are met.
In two wards of the city - both on the west side, close to the university - there are 9.0 per cent and 9.9 per cent of properties which are HMOs. In most other areas of Worcester, the proportion is 1.0 per cent to 4.4 per cent.
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