Buy-to-let landlords looking to turn property in Dudley into an HMO for up to six people could soon have to apply to the local authority for planning permission under new proposals.
Dudley Council, in a bid to clampdown on rogue landlords and improve housing conditions in the PRS, is seeking public feedback on using planning permission under a new ‘Article 4 Direction’ passed by the council last week.
The consultation will last for at least six weeks before coming back for cabinet approval, which would require anyone seeking to convert a property into an HMO for up to six people apply to Dudley Council for planning consent under the new ‘Article 4 Direction’.
Cllr Simon Phipps, the cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said: “It’s clear from the evidence gathered that the unchecked creation of small HMOs using permitted development rights undermines our ability to properly plan developments in our neighbourhoods.
“Our plan will create consistency in the planning system so all HMOs must go through the scrutiny of a planning application before they are created.
“But we won’t just stop at this measure, because the emerging Black Country Plan will also introduce new policies to make sure new homes are better quality and do not detract from the wider local area.
