Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) Article 4 Direction

The Council is proposing changes to planning rules relating to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), within the Ashford Borough Wards of Aylesford Green, Beaver, Little Burton Farm and South Willesborough.

The proposed change will have the effect of removing permitted development rights from changing a family home (Use Class C3) to a house occupied by 3-6 unrelated people (Use Class C4), unless planning permission is granted. This planning control is called an Article 4 Direction.

Large HMOs, with more than six unrelated people sharing a property already require planning permission.

It is recognised that HMOs can provide an affordable type of housing and contribute to the overall mix of housing types and tenures available. However, high concentrations of HMOs can result in numerous harmful impacts including:

• Anti-social behaviour, noise and disturbance
• Issues with parking provision and traffic congestion
• Imbalanced and unsustainable communities
• Negative impacts on the physical environment and streetscape
• Pressure upon local community facilities

The council is seeking people's views on this proposed change and would welcome comments during the consultation period

This consultation has now closed.