Tightening the rules on where property changes can be made has been described as “an appropriate option for Liverpool to explore”
Further controls could be introduced on HMOs across Liverpool(Image: Derby Telegraph)
Measures could be taken to restrict the development of houses of multiple occupancy (HMOs) across the whole of Liverpool amid calls for changes in the south of the city. It was revealed earlier this week that the increase of HMOs is causing “major tension” for people living around L18.
Powers were laid down by Liverpool Council four years ago to restrict where HMOs could be used across the city, focusing mainly in the north and city centre, known as article 4. The opposition Liberal Democrat group has launched a bid to have these powers extended to the south end.
Council documents have shown that in a response to a written question, Cllr Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool Council, had not ruled out a city-wide approach to HMO controls. Tightening the rules on where property changes can be made has been described as “an appropriate option for Liverpool to explore”.
Earlier this year, hundreds of campaigners in Aintree Village called for residents to have more influence over properties being used for HMOs in their area. Their objections managed to convince Sefton Council to propose a legal order to limit the number of houses being changed in the village.
Cllr Andrew Makinson compared the increasing number of properties being amended as “like a balloon, you squeeze one bit and it expands elsewhere”. Permitted planning means planning permission can be granted without the requirement for approval from the local planning authority.
This means that any change of use from a dwelling house to a small HMO can occur without the need for planning permission and the council has no control over which properties are used.
In response to the situation in Aintree, raised by Cllr Alan Gibbons in a written question ahead of September’s full council meeting, Cllr Liam Robinson said options on HMO controls were being considered.
He said: “Officers are exploring a city-wide article 4 direction as one of a range of options. While this is contrary to central government advice on the control of permitted development rights, this is considered to be an appropriate option for Liverpool to explore.
“There will be further updates as this is progressed.” In a discussion at a cabinet meeting last week, Cllr Nick Small, cabinet member for growth and economy, said while the draft local plan for Liverpool had “quite strong policies on that” there would be an increase of HMOs in future.
He said: “We want to restrict that but there will be some new HMOs across the city.”
The draft plan – which will shape the future development direction of the city into 2041 – described HMOs as an “an essential part of Liverpool’s housing stock to meet a diverse range of housing needs” but recognised “poor quality developments and the cumulative impact of excessive concentrations of specific groups can harm the character and amenity of the wider neighbourhood.”
A cross-party motion was carried by all members of the city council last month, which backed plans to prepare for a city-wide adoption of article 4.
It also called on officers to write to the government to request that there should be a sunset clause of no more than 12 months on certificates of lawfulness regarding HMOs in these areas.