The proximity of the Talbot Village development to the Bournemouth University and Arts University College at Bournemouth campuses, has resulted in the conversion of some family housing to student accommodation in the form of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
What is a HMO?
HMOs are defined as “small shared houses or flats occupied by between 3 and 6 unrelated individuals who share basic amenities.”
Why is an Article 4 Direction Needed?
There is recognition at both national and local levels that concentrations of HMOs occupied by students can have an adverse effect on the character and amenity of affected neighbourhoods through such problems as anti-social behaviour; noise and nuisance; pressure on parking provision; growth in the private rented sector at the expense of owner-occupation; reduced choice of family housing; pressure on local community facilities; and an imbalance in the demographic profile of the local community.
Where there are concerns about the impact of concentrations of HMO development in a particular area, Local Authorities are able to use Article 4 Directions to remove Permitted Development rights and require planning applications for such development.
On the 7th February 2012, the Borough of Poole made a Direction under Article 4(1) of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995, as amended, which when confirmed, will remove permitted development rights for proposals seeking the change of use from a Class C3 Dwelling House to a Class C4 House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). This was in response to concerns that the number of HMOs in Talbot Village providing accommodation for students could increase, particularly as neighbouring Bournemouth Borough Council are seeking to control concentrations of HMO accommodation in locations such as nearby Winton.
In order to avoid liability for compensation claims from affected home owners in respect of the loss of permitted development rights, there is a requirement that a period of one year’s notice be given of the intention to implement an Article 4 Direction. The Article 4 Direction relating to Talbot Village will therefore come into force, subject to confirmation by the Council, on the 11th February 2013.
It should be noted that the implementation of the Article 4 Direction would not result in planning control over existing HMOs.
The Planning Approach to HMOs in Talbot Village
The policy framework against which applications proposing the change of use from a Class C3 Dwelling House to a Class C4 HMO, will be provided through a specific policy contained in the Site Specific Allocations and Development Management Policies DPD. The policy adopts a criteria based approach to the assessment and determination of proposals for the change of use from a Class C3 Dwelling House to a Class C4 HMO.
The DPD, which was the subject of an Examination in Public (EiP) between the 15th - 16th November 2011, is scheduled to be adopted in April 2012.
Further information relating to Houses in Multiple Occupation is available here.
Representations
The Council welcomes any comments you may have with regard to the introduction of an Article 4 Direction for the Talbot Village area. The period during which representations are invited will begin on 10th February 2012 and will remain open for a period of twelve weeks until the closing date on the 4th May 2012.
Representations can be made either by email to: planning@poole.gov.uk or alternatively by post to:-
Planning Policy and Implementation
Planning and Regeneration Services including Building Consultancy
Civic Centre
Poole
BH15 2RU
Should you have any queries regarding this process, please contact:-
Planning Policy and Implementation on 01202 633321
Link 1 - http://www.boroughofpoole.com/planning-and-buildings/planning/local-development-framework/site-specific-allocations/submission-document/
Link2 - http://www.boroughofpoole.com/homes-and-housing/private-sector-housing/houses-in-multiple-occupancy/?locale=en
