Why Wigan Council is bringing in new rules for shared housing
Paul Prescott explains why Wigan Council has ramped up its regulations for houses in multiple occupation and how this strategy fits into its housing plans
Providing high-quality, affordable homes is a key priority for us as a council. We’re committed to helping existing residents find homes suited to them, while also encouraging others to move into our borough.
Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) provide a form of low-cost, flexible housing particularly for younger people and those on lower incomes. In Wigan Borough, there are currently 105 known HMOs.
Under previous regulations, landlords and developers only needed to seek planning permission if their proposed HMO was to house six or more people.
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But, in Swinley (near to Wigan town centre) and central Leigh, where HMO concentration is quite high, residents have been raising concerns about reduced access to parking, changes to the character of the area, excess noise and impacts on the physical environment.
As a direct response to these concerns, we have adopted an Article 4 direction in those two areas, meaning that HMOs of any size will now need local planning authority approval.
“Listening to resident feedback is crucial in ensuring we can shape communities and build a borough people can be proud of”
But more than just needing approvals, the new policy will allow us to monitor the quality of HMOs and the impact a high number of them can have on an area. It also promises to be the beginning of a closer working relationship with the private sector.
Following the Article 4 direction, we’re now creating a supplementary planning document (SPD), which will provide guidance to developers and landlords about the standard of accommodation we expect for HMOs and the criteria that need to be satisfied to obtain planning permission.
Listening to resident feedback is crucial in ensuring we can shape communities and build a borough people can be proud of.
We formally adopted the policy at the end of January, following cabinet giving the green light last year, and the response from the community has been positive.
This new approach comes as we launch our Ethical Lettings Agency (ELA), which will help us to improve access to good quality, well-managed properties in the private rented sector.
It’s part of a Greater Manchester-wide scheme, which sees councils enter into arrangements with private landlords to take over the management of their properties for an average term of five years.
“The Article 4 direction and Ethical Lettings Agency signal a new way of working with the private sector, which is paramount to ensuring quality homes for all”
It reduces the risk on landlords by underwriting the cost of repairs, voids and management while providing tenants with assurance that the property is secure, affordable and of good quality.
We can then use these properties to help reduce the demand on council waiting lists, while increasing the number of quality homes available to local people.
Not only do the Article 4 direction and ELA help to build trust between the council and community, but they also signal a new way of working with the private sector, which is paramount to ensuring quality homes for all in well-balanced housing areas.
Paul Prescott, cabinet member for planning, environmental services and transport, Wigan Council
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Inside Housing Development Summit 2020
Inside Housing is pleased to join forces with Homes England and the LGA to introduce the Inside Housing Development Summit.
Taking place on 27-28 April 2020, the summit will gather together local authorities, housing associations, developers, fund managers and advisors for a Chatham House style event focussed on making new connections and exploring new delivery models.
The summit will take place over 28 hours, starting with an afternoon plenary on 27 April, an exclusive development site study tour to Northstowe, England's largest new town since Milton Keynes, followed by a business dinner.
The second day will provide opportunities to network with a range of senior Homes England and LGA staff including Nick Walkley, chief executive of Homes England and Mark Lloyd, chief executive of LGA.
You’ll also meet with leaders from across the development ecosystem and take part in group discussions to help you connect and explore new opportunities. All accommodation and meals will be provided within the fee.
Places for each stakeholder group are limited to ensure a balanced mix of participants and to make sure you leave with the relationships and leads you need.
Click here to book your place or for more information
