Decision

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Housing, Planning and Regulatory Services which presented the evidence base for introducing a non-immediate Article 4 Direction to manage the conversion of properties into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) within identified areas of Tonbridge, Snodland and East Malling.  The Direction would require planning permission for future HMO conversions, enabling the Council to consider their potential impact and management issues. 

Due regard was given to the potential compensation implications and the statutory and constitutional requirements governing the making and confirmation of an immediate Article 4 Direction.

On the grounds that the evidence demonstrated that an Article 4 Direction was justified in the identified areas, that a Direction would provide greater control over future HMO development, and that prompt action was needed to prevent further HMOs being established before the consultation process had concluded, Councillor Betts proposed, Councillor Keers seconded and Cabinet

RESOLVED:That

(1)        the content of the ‘HMO Review & Evidence Paper’, attached at Annex 1 of the report, be endorsed;

(2)        the making of an immediate Article 4 Direction for the areas identified on the maps attached at Annex 2 of the report, be approved;

(3)        local consultation with the areas affected, be agreed; and

(4)        the results of the consultation be brought back to the relevant committee for review as per the legislative requirements.