Spelthorne Borough Council has announced that an article 4 direction will be introduced across the wards of Staines (not Staines South), Ashford North and Stanwell South, and Stanwell North.
The council agreed to the introduction of the article at its Corporate Policy and Resources Committee on 15th April 2024.
The article 4 direction was signed on 21st August 2024 and will come into effect on 29th August 2025.
Once this has come into effect, planning permission will be required to convert a dwelling into a small HMO for up to six individuals.
This rule is already required to convert a dwelling house into a large HMO, occupied by seven or more individuals, which will remain unchanged.
The council is consulting on the direction until 14th October 2024, with comments accepted by email or in writing.
Chair of the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee, cllr Joanne Sexton, said: "The Corporate Policy and Resources Committee resolved to serve an article 4 direction in those three wards with the highest number of complaints against HMOs.
“This will give the local planning authority powers to consider the impacts of small HMOs in these three wards.
“The remaining wards in the borough are being monitored and the committee will also be considering these."
