South Somerset District Council has confirmed an Article 4
Direction which now requires a planning application to be submitted
to use a dwelling as an HMO for more than 3 unrelated people
thereby allowing the impacts to be properly considered. The
Direction only relates to certain areas of Yeovil, see below.
HMO's are an important element of our housing stock and it is
necessary to ensure there is sufficient capacity to meet increasing
demands. It is equally important to ensure that the location and
quality of HMO's are properly assessed to ensure that there is no
adverse impact upon residents or surrounding properties. This
Direction does not rule out further HMOs being permitted but does
mean they are subject to more scrutiny.
Councillors of the Area South Committee first considered the
matter in February 2016. First report and Minutes In April 2016 members resolved to progress the
Direction in principle. A presentation was given to Members and a draft map
of affected areas which will be subject to the Article 4
produced
The Direction was initially made on 19th
May 2016 and the Council undertook consultation for 28 days
which ended on 17th June 2016
The
Direction came into force on 19th November
2016
The final set of plans for public consultation are now
viewable:-
HMO Plan - All Zones
HMO Plan - Zone 1 East
Ward
HMO Plan - Zone 2
Central Ward
HMO Plan - Zone 3
Central Ward
HMO Plan - Zone 4 West
Ward
HMO Plan - Zone 5
South Ward
Applicants for new HMOs in the affected zones are advised to
take into account the attached guidance.
If you have any questions regarding this please contact a member
of the SSDC Planning Team via 01935 462462 or please email Simon
Fox, Area Lead Officer (South), via simon.fox@southsomerset.gov.uk