Greg proposes new planning powers for HMO properties

9.30.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 1st Jul 2009

Lib Dem spokesman for Newcastle East Greg Stone has tonight proposed a motion at the meeting of Newcastle City Council calling on the council to submit a formal response to the Government's consultation on introducing new planning powers for houses of multiple occupation. This follows a long Lib Dem campaign for more powers to allow the local authority to be able to require conversions of family homes into rented sector houses of multiple occupation.

Greg said "This is a huge issue in many parts of Newcastle East and I know that residents and residents association support the need for the city council to have greater powers over planning permission for HMOs. At present anyone seeking to convert a property does not need planning permission. This has to change"

"I have proposed that the council makes a formal response to the current DCLG consultation which as a minimum supports Option 2 which would require change of use class planning permission for such conversions, but would also wish to see a reversion clause meaning it would be possible to convert properties back into use as dwelling houses without requiring a planning application."

"I am acutely aware of the need to ensure a balance between rented HMO properties, particularly student houses, and the need to preserve the character of family residential areas. If the Government fail to take appropriate action I will seek to introduce a Private Members Bill to this effect if I am elected as Newcastle East's next MP".

"The Lib Dems have led the way on this issue despite grumbles from Labour and from HMO landlords, but I firmly believe that action is necessary and will be strongly supported by local residents and residents associations"

"Although this consultation primarily concerns planning, I acknowledge that licensing of HMOs also has a role to play. I was pleased to learn from planning officers this evening that the council intends to submit a response which calls for powers going beyond Option 2, and I look forward to this being ratified at a meeting of the Housing Planning and Transport Strategy committee later this month."

Greg is also encouraging interested residents and organisations to submit their own response to the consultation at www.tinyurl.com/hmoconsult