Walsall Council is proposing a clampdown on HMOs amid anti-social behaviour concerns, despite finding “no established and credible link” between crime and the housing type.
Currently in Walsall, property owners can convert a house or flat into a smaller HMO without planning permission.
A smaller HMO is classified as a “house or flat occupied by between three and six unrelated individuals who share basic amenities."
The Council is proposing the introduction of an Article 4 which would require planning permission to be granted before any property is converted into a smaller or larger HMO.
This is under consultation and, should this be approved, could come into force from October 2025. The closing date for comments is 5pm on 11th November 2024.
In announcing these plans, the council did concede that though HMOs did not cause crime outright that “poor management” could lead to anti-social behaviour.
Councillor Adrian Andrew, associate leader of Walsall Council, said it was important that HMOs were implemented in a “fair and strategic manner.”
He added: “Often poor management of HMOs can negatively impact the health of the immediate and neighbouring occupants.
This can lead to an increase in fly-tipping, anti-social behaviour and waste accumulation.
“We think the additional planning controls will contribute towards removing these negative impacts.“
