Restrictions on controversial HMO conversions brought in for parts of Hartlepool

From now on, any property in certain areas of town that wish to convert a standard family home into a small House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) of up to six unrelated people must apply for planning permission.

Previously only larger HMOs needed permission.

It comes after the Hartlepool Development Corporation (HDC) body confirmed an Article 4 Direction which removes the previous automatic right for smaller HMOs.

The move currently only applies to the areas of Hartlepool that come under the control of the development corporation which includes a large part of the town centre.

HMOs have proved increasingly controversial in Hartlepool due to the sheer number of applications in recent years and concerns over their management.

A HDC spokesperson said: “Following a 12 month consultation period, Hartlepool Development Corporation removed permitted development rights for the change of use of a building from Class C3 (dwelling houses) to Class C4 (Houses in Multiple Occupation) on 25 September.

“This means planning permission is now required for this type of development."

The decision has been welcomed by Hartlepool’s MP Jonathan Brash.

He said: “Residents have been telling me for months that enough is enough. They want communities where people can put down roots and where proposals for HMOs are properly scrutinised.

“I congratulate Hartlepool Development Corporation for listening and acting. Requiring planning permission gives residents the chance to have their say and means the impact on the surrounding community can be considered before a house is converted.”

He has called on Hartlepool Borough Council to do the same after the local authority launched a public consultation last year.

Reform, which now runs the council, responded to Mr Brash’s calls in a social media post.

The party said they inherited the Article 4 Direction timetable from the previous Labour administration and cannot legally introduce it before completing a 12-month consultation and evidence gathering process.

Reform stated: “Reform have requested additional extraordinary meetings to fast-track implementation as soon as possible.

“The consultation is now nearing completion and arrangements are being made to bring the matter forward for decision as soon as possible.

“The work undertaken by the HDC is welcomed and demonstrates a shared recognition of residents’ concerns about HMOs.”