Currently, Derby is an outlier among cities; with no planning permission needed for HMOs with up to 6 residents (Houses in Multiple Occupation). Article 4 will add a piece of extra planning legislation that will require HMOs to have planning permission; which most cities always have in place.

Whilst some landlords do a great job at creating a good living standard, many do not look beyond profit. Many houses that are converted, especially in conservation areas end up not properly maintained, to the detriment of the character of the area.

As cities like Nottingham, Northampton and Birmingham have article 4 in place, investors across the country look to Derby; buying properties at inflated prices, outbidding potential local buyers in the process. They will pay no more council tax than you or I, despite the extra resource needed.

Perhaps you’re reading this and thinking the real problem is when a house has 8 or 9 residents? The council are more likely to approve larger HMOs because it is only adding 2 or 3 more residents to what is permitted anyway. If a house is adjusted to create desirable bedsits, they could still apply for planning. It would give the Planning Department more power to refuse HMOs than they currently have.

For months I have been in communication with members of the council regarding Article 4, and I understand they will need to allocate resources to produce the study required to get it enforced in Derby. These studies have been produced for other cities, showing a direct correlation between high concentrations of HMOs and anti-social behaviour, crime, and a negative impact on the physical environment, to name a few. (Source: http://www.northamptonboroughcouncil.com/documents/s52343/Appendix%201%20Justification%20Report%20V5.pdf 

Please join me in this petition, and let Derby City Council know that local residents want this legislation in place to protect our city!