All HMOs would need to go through the planning process before they start operating
Tameside skyline(Image: Tameside Council)
Town hall bosses are planning to crack down on houses of multiple occupation in Tameside.
A new proposal being put forward would require planning permission for all HMOs. The council says this is being done to step up efforts to ensure shared housing is safe, well-managed, and works for everyone.
Currently, only HMOs housing seven or more people need planning permission.
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Under the new rules, every HMO conversion will need planning permission, including small HMOs – which contain between three and six people.
The idea behind this is to give the local authority greater control over where shared homes are developed and give residents and stakeholders a voice through the planning process.
Dukinfield Town Hall(Image: LDRS)
The change, if approved at the executive cabinet meeting next week, will apply borough-wide and take effect immediately.
The proposed changes would mean:
- Better control over where HMOs are located
- Checks to make sure there’s enough parking, bin storage, and living space
- Improved standards for people living in HMOs
- Protection for residential areas from overcrowding
This move would help balance the need for affordable housing with the quality of life for residents, and ensure shared homes are safe and well-managed, according to the council. Tameside will be the second Greater Manchester authority to look to implement such action.
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Coun Andrew McLaren, deputy leader for growth, housing and homelessness said: “This is about ensuring we maintain a balanced mix of housing, allowing us to manage the impacts of greater HMO pressures in our communities and offering improved oversight for future HMO developments to make sure shared housing is safe and well-planned for our residents.
“We’re acting on residents’ concerns and taking steps to manage the impact of higher HMO concentrations.
“These changes will give communities a voice via the planning process and ensure shared housing is developed responsibly.”