Agenda and minutes

Prior to receiving apologies, a minute’s silence was held for former Councillor and Chairman Jacky Smith, who had recently passed away. Tributes were paid to former Councillor Jacky Smith by Councillor Nikki Manterfield and Matt Bailey.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors:

Helen Crawford

James Denniston

Richard Dixon-Warren

Phil Gadd

Gloria Johnson

Jane Kingman

Philip Knowles

Bridget Ley

Vanessa Smith

Murray Turner

Mark Whittington

No interests were disclosed.

Note:  Councillor Pam Byrd left the Council Chamber and did not return.

A motion without notice was proposed to refer the written motion by Councillor Sue Woolley to the appropriate body. This proposal was seconded. Debate ensued on this motion:

• Several members wanted to debate the printed motion at the end of September’s meeting but there had not been adequate time for this debate.
• The printed motion had been slightly altered from its previous form, seen at September’s meeting.

Note:  Councillor Peter Stephens arrived in the Council Chamber.

• An Overview and Scrutiny Committee would be the most appropriate forum for the printed motion.

A procedural motion ‘that the question be now put’ was proposed and seconded. Following a vote, this procedural motion was AGREED.

Having been previously moved and seconded, and following a vote it was AGREED:

DECISION

That Full Council refer Councillor Sue Woolley’s motion to the relevant Overview and Scrutiny committee before it returns for Full Council’s consideration.

Note:  Councillor Rosemary Trollope-Bellew left the Council Chamber and did not return.

The public open forum will last for a maximum period of 30 minutes.

There were no questions or statements from members of the public.

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.

The meeting closed at 2:43pm.