New rules considered on multiple occupation homes

Properties being converted into houses in multiple occupation (HMO) could need planning permission in the future.

Homes with fewer than six residents currently do not need full approval in North East Lincolnshire.

The local authority is now considering introducing a direction which mean all new HMOs, regardless of size, must get full planning permission.

A full council meeting was told there was a "growing problem" with family homes being turned into HMOs.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Labour councillors Dan Humphrey and Matt Patrick proposed setting up a committee to consider the issue.

"The impact is we lose existing family housing, replaced with temporary bed-sit type accommodation for individuals, particularly (though not exclusively) in Heneage, Sidney Sussex and Park wards," the pair wrote in their proposal.

Although there is a cabinet working group looking at housing issues, the council meeting on 30 September voted in favour of setting up a select committee to discuss introducing a borough-wide direction.

Neighbouring North Lincolnshire Council brought in restrictions earlier this month.

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