In a decisive move aimed at regulating the proliferation of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), Hyndburn Council has introduced a new Article 4 direction effective from November2024. This initiative will require property developers to obtain planning permission to convert small residential properties into HMOs across nine wards in the borough, including Barnfield, Central, and Church. As concerns mount...
In November 2024, planning officers from Caerphilly County Borough Council have faced significant challenges regarding the management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Reports indicate a concerning level of uncertainty regarding the actual number of HMOs in the region, prompting discussions on the implications of insufficient data for effective housing management and regulatory enforcement. Accurate...
As of April 2025, homeowners across England with second properties will be preparing for a substantial increase in their financial obligations, due to new legislation concerning council tax. This directive allows local councils to double the council tax on non-primary residences, provided homeowners receive adequate notice, aimed primarily at alleviating housing shortages in sought-after locales. Areas...
Residents of Hackney Road in Maidstone are grappling with yet another closure, which has emerged just four months after they dealt with a significant infrastructure failure. Initially, a 10-foot deep sinkhole appeared on July 11, 2023, due to a collapsed sewer, leading to extensive repairs by Southern Water that took nearly a month to complete. Now, the road is facing renewed disruptions due to ongoing...
The recent approval of a controversial 30-bed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) on Friarn Street in Bridgwater by Somerset Council's planning committee has ignited significant debate within the community. Local leaders and residents have expressed strong concerns regarding the implications this development poses in terms of flooding risks and parking difficulties, reflecting an ongoing struggle between...
In a significant move to regulate the development of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), Hyndburn Council is set to introduce an Article 4 Direction across nine borough wards. This decision arises from growing concerns regarding the proliferation of HMOs, which the council believes are placing undue stress on already deprived communities. The affected wards—Barnfield, Central, Church, Clayton-le-Moors,...
Residents of East Durham are uniting their voices in a petition aimed at Durham County Council to tighten controls on houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), aiming to combat the conversion of family homes into rentals that cater primarily to large groups of tenants. This initiative, which has already garnered 153 signatures, seeks to raise public awareness on new HMO applications that are currently lacking...
In a decision that has sparked considerable debate, Somerset Council's planning committee has approved a controversial 30-bed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) on Friarn Street in Bridgwater. The approval, secured by a vote of seven to three, has ignited local concerns about potential flooding risks and parking shortages in an area already grappling with infrastructure challenges. Despite criticism from...
In a call for increased protections against the proliferation of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), residents of East Durham have united, presenting a petition to the local council. With 153 signatures, this grassroots movement highlights the disparity in regulations between East Durham and more urbanised areas like the city centre, where additional safeguards are in place. Seaham councillor Kevin Shaw...
In November 2024, preparations are ramping up for the impending changes to council tax regulations in England regarding second homes. Set to take effect in April 2025, the increase represents a significant policy shift aimed at addressing housing shortages in popular locales by proposing a potential 100% tax increase on properties that are not a primary residence. This article delves into the implications...
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