Purpose

Evidence prepared to inform the Greater Cambridge Local Plan had highlighted that Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) were an important source of residential accommodation, including comparatively affordable accommodation, in Cambridge, but impacts need to be appropriately managed. Policies have been included in the Proposed Submission Local Plan to ensure proposals were of an appropriate standard and amenity issues were properly considered.

The report sought agreement to prepare a Non-Immediate Article 4 Direction to remove permitted development rights to change dwellings (planning use class C3) into small HMOs (planning use class C4) without planning permission, to cover the urban area of Cambridge. This would mean that the impact of proposals for small HMOs (up to 6 unrelated persons) as well as large HMOs could be considered through the planning process.

The Article 4 Direction would be subject to public consultation, and responses reported to Cabinet for consideration of whether the Direction should be confirmed. As a Non-Immediate Article 4 Direction it would come into force a year after it had been confirmed.

Decision

The Cabinet unanimously resolved to:

      i.         Agree to the implementation of a Non-Immediate Article 4 Direction to remove permitted development rights to change dwellings (planning use class C3) into small houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) (planning use class C4), to cover the area shown on the maps in Appendix 1;

    ii.         Delegate preparation of the above and the carrying out of a public consultation to the Director of Planning; and

   iii.         Note that Cabinet approval will be required to confirm the Direction following the publication and consultation.