Lambeth consulting on new planning controls on HMOs in Streatham after concerns raised

Lambeth Council is proposing to implement a new planning mechanism in relation to the creation of new Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Streatham Common & Vale and Streatham St Leonard’s – two wards where residents have expressed concerns relating to the notably high number of HMOs, and associated impacts including instances of reported anti-social behaviour, loss of family homes and impact on the character of the areas.

At present, a change of use from a standard residential property to a ‘small HMO’ – which has between three and six occupiers – does not need planning permission as this is considered ‘permitted development’ under national planning legislation. This means the council currently has no powers to prevent conversions of standard residential properties into small HMOs.

The proposed new planning control in relation to ‘small HMOs’, known as an Article 4 Directionwould make planning permission necessary for the change of use of existing standard residential properties to new ‘small HMOs’ in the two affected wards in one year’s time.

When assessing such planning applications, the council would be able to consider matters such as local amenity and the quality of the proposed accommodation.

Before Article 4 Directions can come into force, the council must decide whether to (i) make the Direction, and then another decision must be taken on whether to (ii) confirm the Direction.

Earlier in 2024, the Council carefully considered the implications of introducing an ‘immediate’ Article 4 Direction to cover the two wards of Streatham Common & Vale and Streatham St Leonard’s. However the Council concluded that the potential financial liability to the Council associated with such an ‘immediate’ Article 4 Direction would be too high.

Therefore, the Council is proposing a ‘non-immediate’ Article 4 Direction.

On July 25 this year the council decided to ‘make’ the ‘non-immediate’ Article 4 Direction to cover the two wards. At least 12 months’ notice is being given of the Article 4 Direction and so, if confirmed, the Council would be able to introduce the Article 4 Direction in August 2025.

Following this decision, a statutory process is being followed, which includes a public consultation which is taking place for eight weeks from Monday, 12 August and referral of the case to the government for review.

To read and comment on the making of the Article 4 Direction visit Lambeth’s consultation webpage. Any representations received during the consultation period must be considered by the council when deciding whether or not to proceed to confirm the Article 4 Direction.

The Article 4 Direction will only come into force if it is confirmed.

Councillor Danny Adilypour, Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Sustainable Growth and New Homes said: “We are extremely concerned about the way some HMOs are negatively impacting our residents and communities.

“This is why we are evaluating all options available to us and will take the necessary action to prevent any further inconvenience and distress.”