New controls planned to tackle problem HMOs in Sunderland - residents asked to have their say

Sunderland City Council’s ruling cabinet have launched a consultation on improved powers to manage the growth of HMOs.

HMOs are generally defined as three or more people who do not form one household, living together.

While recognising the part HMOs play in providing housing within the private rented sector, council chiefs aim to use extra controls to keep numbers in check going forward.

The draft supplementary planning document (SPD) sets out guidance on how the council will deal with planning applications for new HMOs.

“The draft SPD seeks to control the development of new HMOs by preventing the ‘sandwiching effect’ whereby a residential dwelling would become located between two HMOs,” cabinet member for Dynamic City, Cllr Rebecca Atkinson, explained.

“It also goes on to prevent the development of new HMOs where more than 10% of the residential units within 100 metres of the application site are already in use as a HMO.”

The council chief was speaking at a cabinet meeting which was held via videolink and broadcast on the council’s YouTube channel.

Between January 2010 and January 2020, the council received 93 planning applications for HMOs – with 67% approved, 18% refused and 15% withdrawn.

Latest figures suggest Sunderland has 1,200 HMOs with the majority based in the Barnes, Hendon, Millfield, St Michael’s and St Peter’s wards.

The draft SPD notes the “harmful impacts” associated with high numbers of HMOs including reduced social cohesion, housing choice and community engagement – alongside other issues such as noise/disturbance and parking.

Although there is a role for HMOs in the “overall housing mix”, the report states, “imbalances” can also be created.

It goes on to say: “It is also acknowledged that trends in the housing market are making it increasingly difficult, especially for low-income and single person households, to find suitable accommodation that meets, as well as suits, their own needs and preferences.

“There is therefore a role for HMOs within the overall housing mix.

“However, whilst the city’s stock of HMOs is contributing to meeting housing needs, increased numbers of multiple occupancy properties can have the potential to create harmful impacts.”

It adds: “Concentrations within neighbourhoods can lead to imbalanced and unsustainable communities and can damage the residential amenity and character of surrounding areas.”

Following the four-week consultation, the HMO SPD will return to the cabinet for discussion.

If approved and adopted, the controls would apply to all new HMOs requiring planning permission.

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