Derby gets tough on HMOs after refusal on 'free-for-all' estate

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9 hours ago

Plans to move more residents into a 'filthy' Derby estate have been quashed after it was claimed the number of HMOs in the area had 'gone too far'. More than 50 people signed a petition against plans for another house of multiple occupation (HMO) to be allowed in the New Zealand ward.
The plans submitted called for a rear extension so a property could house six individual occupants on Howe Street. The street is part of an estate where there are serious concerns regarding its appearance, fly-tipping, bins left on streets and parking.
The rejection is one of the first signs seen publicly that Derby City Council is getting tougher on HMOs after long campaigning, which triggered new rules to come into force.
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The plans were recommended for refusal by council officers prior to a planning meeting held on Thursday (July 10) despite the authority needing more housing. Officers said a 'lack of communal space for residents would result in a significantly harmful impact on the quality of living environment for occupiers'.
Earlier this year a new Article 4 Direction came into force following major concerns that a high concentration of HMOs were causing problems such as fly-tipping and parking.
The Article 4 direction, which was approved by the Government, aims to give Derby City Council more control and powers in regulating HMOs.
Before the new rules came in, any HMO of up to six occupants was allowed as permitted development. But now those of any size within certain areas must require planning permission.
Howe Street resident Sally Bareham told the planning committee the area was 'filthy and neglected' and another HMO was not needed.
She said: 'We have 86 private landlords in the area, mainly short-term lets vacating regularly, leaving messes. Unless you live here you can't imagine how depressed we are watching more family homes being sold cheaply to landlords because the area is so filthy and neglected.'
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Councillor for Mackworth and New Zealand ward Gaurav Pandey said: 'There are nine HMOs on Howe Street already. Come in the evening and you will see how bad the parking situation is.'
And fellow ward councillor Ndukwe Onuoha said: 'The community has become a free-for-all for HMOs. It's gone too far and residents are feeling it.'
The committee refused the plans without much discussion. Chair of the planning committee Councillor Jerry Pearce said the decision was 'straightforward' before the vote took place. The applicant or a representative for the planning application did not speak at the meeting.
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