Tougher HMO rules introduced in Wakefield and Castleford
Tougher rules on converting properties in Wakefield and Castleford into shared houses have come into force.
Stricter regulations were introduced after Wakefield Council said it wanted to bring in new measures over concerns that a growth in houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) was reducing the number of family homes available across the district.
In October last year, senior councillors agreed to start a process of introducing what is known as an Article 4 direction to curb the rise in smaller HMOs.
The order, which comes into force today (October 24), means property owners require planning permission to change the use of a dwelling to accommodate between three and six people.
HMOs are defined as properties rented out by more than two individuals on separate contracts, who typically have their own bedroom, but share facilities like a kitchen or bathroom.
Matthew Morley, the council’s cabinet member for planning and highways, said: “There has been increasing concern in recent years at the growth in the number of HMOs in our district.
“It’s very important that we have a mix of housing options in our area and, in particular, that we have a good supply of housing for families.
“Having too many HMOs in a place can be difficult to manage.
“It can cause big changes to the character of an area very quickly.
“These new regulations will improve the wellbeing of our communities by ensuring a range of factors are considered through the planning applications process and will help make sure we all have a place we’re proud to call home.”
The order covers the following six areas of the district:
Castleford Centre North. Covering properties between Methley Road, Wood Street and Albion Street.
Smawthorne, Castleford. Covering an area that contains 2,386 homes, including 52 HMOs
Agbrigg, Wakefield: Between Agbrigg Road, Barnsley Road and Doncaster Road.
College Grove, Wakefield: Between College Grove Road and Jacobs Well Lane.
Lincoln Street, Wakefield: Between Lincoln Street and Balne Lane.
Peterson Road, Wakefield. Covering properties at Peterson Road and Stanley Road.
The areas identified contain a total of just under 7,000 homes, more than 300 of which are registered as HMOs.
The orders does not impact on existing HMOs in the affected areas and only applies to new applications.