RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS ABOUT high concentrations of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) have led to a proposal to extend the current planning rules across the city. In most of Brighton & Hove, property owners wishing to convert a family house into a shared house or HMO for up to six people do not currently have to get planning permission. Larger HMOs of seven or more occupants already need planning permission.

Give your views on the proposal by visiting ‘open consultations’ at: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/consultation. The consultation runs from 3 June to 15 July.

Currently, five wards already have controls through an ‘Article 4 Direction’ which means that in the following areas small HMO conversions need planning permission: Hanover & Elm Grove, Hollingdean & Stanmer, Moulsecoomb & Bevendean, Queen’s Park, St Peter’s & North Laine.

If agreed, it will mean that planning permission will be required for a change of use from a family home to a small HMO anywhere in the city. A citywide approach aims to make the rules consistent for everyone, provide long-term certainty for developers and residents, and prevent concentrations getting too high before action is taken. It would also bring the planning regulations in line with HMO licensing which is already in force citywide.