Issue - meetings

Resolved: the committee welcomed the review and expressed support for the proposed Article 4 Direction, noting the significant increase in converted properties in the borough’s southern wards in recent years.

David Syme (Strategic Planning Manager) introduced the report. The following key points were noted:

4.1       In response to increasing concern regarding the concentration of poor quality Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) within Lewisham’s southern wards, the council carried out a review of the quality and spatial distribution of HMOs in the borough. The council previously carried out a review of HMOs in 2016.

4.2       The review assessed data from a number of sources and found that while there has not been a significant increase in HMOs in the borough overall, there has been a significant increase and clustering of HMOs within the borough’s southern wards: Bellingham, Downham, Whitefoot and Grove Park.

4.3       As a result of the review a proposal to make a non-immediate Article 4 Direction for Lewisham’s southern wards, to withdraw permitted development rights allowing change of use from dwelling house to small HMO, is to be put before Mayor and Cabinet in January 2019.

4.4       Following the coming into force of an Article 4 Direction, applicants would need to apply for planning permission. The planning department would have more control and be able to assess whether the location of a proposed HMO is suitable. The planning department has robust policies on HMOs. 

4.5       In response to questions from the committee, it was noted that there would need to be further evidence for similar restrictions to be extended to other wards.

4.6       The committee queried whether planning permission is required to convert a property from a small HMO to a larger HMO. Council officers responded after the meeting to state that this would require planning permission.

Resolved: the committee welcomed the review and expressed support for the proposed Article 4 Direction, noting the significant increase in converted properties in the borough’s southern wards in recent years.