URL: https://democracy.northtyneside.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=499

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: Cabinet was provided with a report to provide an update on the gathering of evidence in relation to small HMOs.  The report sought appropriate delegations to enable necessary steps to be taken at the conclusion of the exercise.   Cabinet RESOLVED to:   (i)        Note the update on the gathering of evidence relating to Houses in Multiple Occupation in the Borough; and   (ii)       Authorise the Director of Regeneration and Economic Development in consultation with the Deputy Mayor and Head of Law, based on the evidence available on conclusion of the evidence gathering, to determine whether or not to make a Direction under Article 4(1) of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 withdrawing the permitted development right to change the use of a property from a dwelling house (Use Class C3) to a small House in Multiple Occupation (Use Class C4)  as set out in Class L(b) of Part 3 of Schedule 2 to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 in relation to changes of use from Use Class C3 to Use Class C4 (as defined in the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 for specified areas of the Borough; and   (iii)      Note that if the Director of Regeneration and Economic Development makes an Article 4 Direction, authorise him to take all necessary steps in order for such a Direction to be made and for him to subsequently confirm any such Direction in accordance with Schedule 3 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 including sending appropriate notices to the Secretary of State.   Reason for the decision:   If there is robust evidence of a concentration of HMOs in certain areas of the Borough and this is having a detrimental impact on the amenity of these neighbourhoods, eroding the sustainability and cohesion of communities, this is an appropriate basis on which to introduce additional control. There is limited control under the HMO licencing regime for some small HMOs and such properties are currently not subject to any local planning control. An appropriate form of control could be the making of an Article 4 Direction relating to the specific locations where there is evidence of harm from a concentration of HMOs.    

Date of Decision: March 16, 2026