Purpose

The report considers the responses received to the consultation undertaken on the Draft HMO SPD.  It outlines suggested amendments following the consultation and recommends its adoption.

Decision

(i)    Having had regard to the consultation responses, approval was given for the HMO SPD attached at Appendix 1 be adopted, taking effect no later than 30 June 2026.

(ii) The Sustainability Appraisal Report, Adoption Statement, Consultation Statement (analysis of comments received through public consultation) Habitat Screening Opinion and Equalities Impact Statement, which support the SPD be noted and published, as appropriate.

Reasons for the decision

To adopt and bring into effect the Houses in Multiple Occupancy Supplementary Planning Document.

Executive Cabinet delegated authority to the Director of Strategic Growth (or any other Director in their absence) to adopt the HMO SPD, subject to full consideration of the consultation responses received from the public consultation, as are appended to this report.

This decision was made on 22 April 2026 and is available here:

Decision - Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) 

Alternative options considered

Not to adopt the SPD following consideration of the comments and making appropriate changes, which it is not considered are in the best interests of the Council.