HMOs to be controlled by number and distance from others – council
Summary
County Durham Council is considering an interim planning policy to limit the concentration of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), including a rule preventing new HMOs where nearby properties are already HMOs and a cap of 10% within a 100-metre radius. The council’s Article 4 Direction will also expand countywide from August, meaning planning permission will be required to convert any house into an HMO.
Why it matters
This affects planning controls and local housing mix, which can influence property use, demand, and comparables in affected areas. Surveyors advising on residential assets in County Durham may need to factor in tighter HMO restrictions and potential impacts on value and marketability.
Key points
- Interim policy would restrict new HMOs where the 10 nearest properties already include HMOs.
- A 10% HMO threshold within a 100-metre radius is proposed.
- County Durham’s Article 4 Direction will expand to cover the whole county from August.
- Planning permission will be required to convert any house into an HMO.
- Council cites concerns about loss of family housing, pressure on services, and community safety.
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