Agenda item

This Council notes:

1.       Currently small HMOs (3-4 occupants) can be established without planning permission under permitted development rights, meaning no community consultation.

2.       There is a widespread perception that HMOs cause over-intensive use, noise disturbance, traffic problems, and negative impacts on property values.

3.       Many councils have successfully introduced comprehensive HMO regulation through Article 4 directions and additional licensing schemes. Rushcliffe has recently passed a resolution to commence a consultation around an Article 4 direction for all HMOs.

4.       Whilst HMOs can often be a valuable addition to an area’s housing stock the government’s strategy of moving asylum seekers from hotels to HMOs has tarnished this type of accommodation in the eyes of many residents.

5.       There have been 16 new HMO licences issued across Grantham in 2025 so far, totalling 100 permitted occupants. Serco are the licence holders of 5 of these properties.

This Council believes:

1.       All residents deserve to know about and have input on HMO developments that could affect their neighbourhood.

2.       Comprehensive regulation through both licensing and planning control provides the best protection for communities while ensuring legitimate housing needs are met.

3.       Current gaps in regulation allow problematic HMOs to operate without proper oversight or community input.

This Council resolves:

1.       To commence a public consultation as required by law to determine if an Article 4 Direction should be introduced across South Kesteven to:

a.            Removing permitted development rights so that all HMOs (small and large) require planning permission and to

b.            establish mandatory HMO licensing covering all HMOs regardless of size, with robust standards including fire safety, room sizes, parking, noise management, and waste arrangements.

2.       To bring a report as an Item to the Full Council on the results of the Consultation on 28th February 2026 in order for Full Council to make a determination on if an Article 4 Direction should be made.

3.       To immediately revoke the Officer Delegation to issue any HMO licences and assign this responsibility to the appropriate Committee, thereby protecting officers from having to make politically sensitive decisions and ensuring proper democratic accountability.

4.       To immediately add the current list of HMOs properties and licence holders onto the SKDC website for transparency with our residents.

The motion from Councillor Sue Woolley had been referred to a relevant body earlier in proceedings.