South Glos launches new consultation on Filton HMOs

South Glos turned down an application to create a large HMO at 15 Braemar Cresc in the autumn but an inspector reversed this decision on appeal

Have your say – South Gloucestershire Council want your views on its plans to introduce restrictions, known as ‘Article 4 Direction’, on converting existing housing into HMOs (houses of multiple occupancy) in parts of Filton, and within the Stoke Park and Cheswick ward.

HMOs are converted properties with shared facilities, like a bathroom or kitchen, that are rented out to people who are not from a single household –such as professional sharers or off-campus students.

Currently properties providing six or fewer bedrooms can be converted to HMOs without planning permission.

However, under the Council’s proposed Article 4 Direction, permitted development rights will no longer apply and all houses within the specified area will require planning approval before converting to HMOs. This will give the council greater control over the concentration of small HMOs in these areas.

The decision to introduce these restrictions is now subject to consultation. Subject to reviewing the comments received, the council intends to move forward to complete the remaining stages to bring these changes into force.

For further information and to comment on the proposals, visit South Gloucestershire

Council’s website: Houses in Multiple Occupation Article 4 Direction Proposal 2023South Gloucestershire Online Consultations (www.southglos. gov.uk) l Last month it was revealed that the original 'Article 4' regulations which would have affected new HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) in Filton would not be introduced until January 2024 after South Glos Council decided they faced a 'significant risk of liability for compensation' under the previous plans, which were due to begin on December 30.

You have until January 31 to submit your comments.

This was seen as a blow for campaigners who have said Filton has too many HMOs, leading to a change in the character of the town and bringing significant parking problems. Developers say HMOs are needed to address the housing shortage.

Last month, Filton South Glos councillor Adam Monk said: "The situation with regards to the delay is Article 4 is disappointing and I recognise there is a fear that we could see in a further increase in HMOs.

"I would remind people that policies have been improved to control HMOs.

"I would encourage residents to continue to object and highlight that some applications have been stopped even at the appeal stage."

In a statement, South Glos Council said: "We consider that there is a significant risk of liability for compensation from the decision made in August 2022 if we continued to confirm the A4D and bring it into force on 30 December 2022, as originally intended.

"Given our current budget pressures and need to protect taxpayers’ money this requires us to take appropriate action."