Coventry City Council has launched a consultation on plans to limit the number of residential houses being rented out to multiple occupants.
The council is proposing to place restrictions on residential property conversions in 11 out of 18 wards. These restrictions would mean that all new houses in multiple occupation (HMO) conversions would need full planning approval.
According to the council, the legislation – known as an Article 4 Direction – prevents the displacement of families searching for properties and provides opportunities for those looking to get onto the property ladder by limiting the number of HMOs in certain wards.
Cabinet member for Housing and Communities, Cllr David Welsh, said: ‘We want to control the development of HMOs across Coventry especially where there are already high concentrations.
‘HMOS do serve a purpose but we also need good quality affordable homes for families, we believe this will help improve neighbourhoods.’
