HMOs to be restricted in move by city council

New plans to help control the numbers of residential properties turned into HMOs in parts of Coventry are moving a step closer.

A report will be put before senior councillors on August 30 outlining the council’s intentions to hold a public consultation to get feedback on rule changes preventing landlords and developers from turning some residential homes into HMOs without full planning permission.

The proposal - called an Article 4 Direction - would place restrictions on residential property conversions in 11 out of 18 wards in the city, wards that already have the highest concentration of HMOs.

The restrictions are designed to ensure that all new HMO conversions would need full planning approval if an Article 4 is implemented.

A council spokesperson says: “By implementing an Article 4 direction, we’re providing an opportunity for families to place their roots down here in the city and make the most out of the exciting job opportunities that we have here. It also provides an opportunity for first-time homeowners to get onto the property ladder.

“Whilst HMOs are an integral part of the community, as they provide housing to students and young professionals who house share, by controlling the number of them throughout the city – and particularly those in the most saturated areas – we’re supporting residents and accommodating the housing needs of the many, not the few.

“I hope people support the Article 4 Direction because in this area it causes displacement and breaks up communities. It also has an impact on managing streets services like disposing rubbish and other environmental issues.”