Hartlepool council chiefs hit back at MP's claims they are delaying introducing tighter HMO rules

Town MP Jonathan Brash has welcomed the recent implementation of an Article 4 direction by Hartlepool Development Corporation.

It means that anyone intending to turn a family home into a house of multiple occupation (HMO) needs planning permission regardless of size.

However, it currently only applies to the areas of town covered by the HDC.

Mr Brash says there are too many HMOs in Hartlepool and they can “destroy the character of a street”.

The MP took to social media to call on Hartlepool Borough Council to implement Article 4 now and questioned why the Reform-led local authority had not done so.

But in letters to Mr Brash, council leader Cllr Dave Bruce said the council is working towards the date of December 1 as identified, reported and publicly communicated under the previous Labour-led administration.

Cllr Bruce said: “The suggestions that the council is simply ‘lagging behind’, that officers have failed to deliver, or that the current administration has chosen to wait until December are incorrect.”

He pointed out the development corporation and council had different consultation periods, and said a council policy report has to go through the neighbourhood and regulatory services committee and full council for approval.

Cllr Bruce added: “The council's officers have followed a process designed to ensure that consultation responses are properly considered and that the eventual decision is capable of withstanding scrutiny and challenge.

“I remain committed to ensuring that the Article 4 direction progresses without unnecessary delay and that the council continues to act in the best interests of Hartlepool and its residents.”