Sandwell Council is set to introduce new rules requiring planning permission before a home can be converted into a small House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). A small HMO is defined as a property shared by three to six individuals from different households who share facilities like a kitchen or bathroom.
Currently, such conversions do not require planning permission, with permission only being necessary for HMOs accommodating seven or more people. The Council intends to implement an Article 4 Direction across the borough, which would necessitate all HMO applications to undergo the Council’s formal planning process for approval.
This proposed change aims to provide the Council with greater oversight in managing the number of HMOs throughout Sandwell and their distribution within neighbourhoods. Councillor Ray Nock, Leader of Sandwell Council, stated that the proposal stems from resident concerns regarding the proliferation of HMOs.
“"We know that having a high number of HMOs in one area can cause problems for local communities, including more pressure on parking and waste services and fewer homes for Sandwell families. Requiring planning permission would give the Council more control over new HMOs to help us protect our neighbourhoods."
The proposal is scheduled for consideration by the Cabinet on Wednesday 14 October. If approved, the changes would take immediate effect, followed by a public consultation period to gather feedback from residents and landlords. The Council will then review this input before making a final decision on the permanence of the new rules.
