New Regulations on House in Multiple Occupation Conversions Proposed in Maidstone

Maidstone Borough Council shows new rules. The council sees many homes change without proper permission. Family homes now turn into HMOs. The council wants to control these home changes to fix local issues. It also aims to manage areas where HMOs are growing fast.

Understanding HMOs in Maidstone

HMOs are homes for tenants who do not live with family. This change brings local talks. Neighbors face noise, long rows of bins, and tight parking. In the Fant and Oakwood Ward, these issues cause stress. In Fant, HMOs rank as second in number after the High Street Ward. High Street has local stores that cut the need for parking. In Fant, narrow streets mean few parking spots.

UK law now lets small HMOs with six or fewer bedrooms go ahead without planning permission. The council’s new guide controls larger HMOs. It sets clear rules. Builders must match strict local needs.

Proposed Changes and Committee Considerations

Members on the Planning and Healthier Stronger Communities Committee met to discuss the rules. The plan will soon turn to public feedback after the cabinet agrees. This guide does not bring new ideas but sets clear rules to manage HMOs in Maidstone better.

Key points in the guide include:

• Harmful Concentration: If 10% of homes within 100 metres already count as HMOs, no more new HMOs will be allowed.

• Sandwiching: New HMOs must not lie immediately next to other HMOs on both sides.

• Room Conditions: Each HMO bedroom must have enough natural light. Relying on north-facing windows is not enough.

• Outdoor Amenity Space: Each HMO must include a small space outside for living needs.

• Waste Storage: Builders must give a closed space for bins. They must also set up shared waste deals to cut down on eyesores.

• Parking Regulations: Each bedroom counts as its own unit when counting parking spots. Each room needs one parking spot. If the parking is short, a parking survey must show that nearby streets can hold more cars.

Divergent Views Among Councillors

Many councillors back the rules, yet some worry, especially about parking. Councillor Stan Forecast (Conservative) spoke for strong parking needs. He said that each tenant must get a spot to ease parking problems in places like Fant.

Councillor Tony Harwood (Liberal Democrats) replied that applicants should show street space for extra parking. He stressed that a fair view must guide planning choices.

Some councillors worry that strict parking rules might block key worker housing since many HMO tenants do not own cars. The plan passed its first stage and will soon go to public feedback starting March 19. ### Preparing for the Next Steps

Mark Egerton, the council’s planning officer, spoke on the need for public views before the guide is final. Residents in Fant and other areas are expected to share their own views as the rules will shape Maidstone neighborhoods.

In short, the council’s new HMOs rules show a hands-on effort to fix housing issues. The council works to meet local needs while planning new homes safely.

Useful Resources

• Maidstone Borough Council – HMO Information
• Gov.uk – Planning permissions
• Housing Regulations – UK Legislation
• Local News – Maidstone Kent Online

By knowing what these new rules mean, property investors keen on HMOs can learn more and take part in the discussions about future plans.