Still time to comment on proposals for Houses in Multiple Occupation in Telford and Wrekin

There’s still time for people to have their say on proposals to change planning and licensing rules to create safer homes and fairer standards in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

Telford & Wrekin Council launched a consultation in December, asking local people to comment on the new proposals to introduce additional licensing and an Article 4 Direction.

Currently across Telford and Wrekin, only HMOs that accommodate five or more people, forming two or more households are subject to mandatory licensing.

While HMOs with more than six people are also subject to full planning permission and those with six people or less can be established without the need for planning consent.

The Article 4 direction would require landlords to seek planning permission for a new HMO, regardless of size. Existing HMOs would be unaffected by the planning changes.

The planning changes would allow the Council to know where all new HMOs are located and to consider their impact on the wider community and local services.

The additional licensing proposals would mean all HMO properties would be inspected for safety and hazard compliance and landlords would be required to manage issues such as anti-social behaviour.  This element would apply to all HMO both existing and new.

As the consultation looks at two separate measures, it is being delivered in two parts.

The consultation on the proposed Article 4 Direction closes on Tuesday 10 February, with the consultation on the additional licensing running until Wednesday 11 March.

To find out more about additional licensing, people are invited to attend a local drop-in session, one is being held on Friday 20 February at Ketley Community Centre from 5 to 7pm and another on Thursday 5 March at Meeting Point House from 5 to 7pm.

Councillor Richard Overton, Deputy Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council and Cabinet Member for Highways, Housing and Enforcement, said:

“We are committed to ensuring that homes within the HMO sector are safe, well managed, and maintained to appropriate standards.

“The consultation is open for a limited period, and this is a pivotal stage at which we are seeking the views of our communities.

“Nothing has been predetermined. We are inviting residents, landlords, and community organisations to provide their feedback so that together we can develop a fair, transparent, and well‑informed approach.”

People can have their say and take part in the consultations online.