A new provision to block development rights to turn family homes into houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) has been supported by Hull City Council’s Cabinet.
The Article 4 direction to remove rights for converting smaller homes into HMOs will now be considered by Full Council next month.
The new provision has been designed to ensure new accommodation satisfies basic requirements of its occupants.
It will mean each unit will have to meet minimum space standards and that properties can only be converted if above a certain size.
Councillor Daren Hale, deputy leader of Hull City Council, said: “Hull City Council is committed to ensuring quality accommodation is provided for all, including those most vulnerable in society.
“HMOs are an important part of the overall housing stock across the city, but it is essential they are not concentrated into a few small areas across the city and that HMOs provide as a minimum basic amenity standards.
“The confirmation of this Article 4 direction will ensure the council is able to ensure new accommodation provides the basic requirement for all.”
Councillor John Black, portfolio holder for housing, said: “In 2013, we brought in the first HMO Article 4 direction around the university. As demand and supply has increased for these properties in other parts of the city, it is important the council responds by increasing the area covered by the Article 4 direction.
“I fully support the inclusion of Holderness Road, Newington and St Andrews and Beverly Road and Spring Bank axis within these area of control.”
