Havering Council is consulting residents, businesses and other interested parties on proposals to introduce borough-wide planning controls for new Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
The council is considering an Article 4 Direction which, if confirmed, would mean planning permission was required for all new HMOs created through the conversion of residential properties across the borough.
Currently, some detached homes in parts of Havering can be converted into HMOs without planning permission under permitted development rights. The proposed change would remove those rights and create a consistent approach across the borough.
The council says the new planning controls would allow it to assess HMO proposals against local planning policies and consider factors including the quality of accommodation, the availability of family-sized homes and the concentration of HMOs in particular areas.
Other issues that could be considered include potential impacts on antisocial behaviour, local services, parking and transport.
Councillor Keith Prince AM, Leader of Havering Council, said managing HMOs was a priority for the authority and encouraged residents, landlords and businesses to take part in the consultation.
An evidence report has been prepared to support the proposed Article 4 Direction, in line with national planning policy requirements, and is available alongside the consultation documents.
If the proposal goes ahead, the council intends for the Direction to take effect one year after it is made.
The public consultation is due to run for eight weeks, from 21 August to 16 October 2026. Residents and other interested parties are being invited to submit their views before the consultation closes.
Photo: Altaf Shah
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