Liverpool's Liberal Democrats have formally called in the council's decision to introduce new HMO restrictions, arguing the measures merely shift the problem to new parts of the city and demanding the entire city be covered immediately.
The call-in follows Liverpool Council's cabinet approval of new Article 4 Directions in several areas last week, which require planning permission before family homes can be converted into houses of multiple occupation (HMOs). Under national permitted development rights, conversions accommodating three to six people can generally proceed without planning permission unless an Article 4 Direction is in force, while larger HMOs for more than six people already require planning permission.
New protected areas
The new directions cover Kirkdale, Everton, County, Walton, Orrell Park and part of Fazakerley, along with part of Tuebrook Larkhill, Old Swan, part of Stoneycroft, Penny Lane, part of Calderstones, St Michaels and Sefton Park. These areas are now protected against immediate conversions, meaning any proposed development must go through the planning process, though HMOs are not banned outright.
The changes will allow planners to assess issues including the concentration of existing HMOs, the loss of family housing, effects on neighbourhood character, and pressures on parking, waste services and community facilities. Subject to the changes, the powers are expected to be expanded city-wide next year.
Liberal Democrat call-in
Cllr Carl Cashman, leader of the Liberal Democrat group, said: "Residents on one street now get a say on HMOs. One street over, it's a free-for-all for the next year. Everyone knows what will happen next."
He added: "Developers will pile into Woolton, West Derby, Mossley Hill and every other area Labour has left open. Labour isn't solving the problem, it's moving it to new areas of the city. This is a political choice. Labour's own report says other councils have put their whole area under an immediate Article 4 direction and that the risks are relatively low. There is no excuse for not doing the same."
Labour response
A Liverpool Labour spokesperson said: "Liverpool Labour has worked hard over the last three years to end the scourge of HMOs by bringing forward new Article 4 directions to protect more areas of our city. These changes were due to come into force on October 20; now, thanks to the grandstanding of Carl Cashman and the Liberal Democrats, these new powers will be delayed, leaving our communities helpless at the hands of rogue developers."
The spokesperson said the Liberal Democrats have "shown that they don't care what local residents think" and accused them of siding with "rogue developers" in the fight. The call-in will ask the council to reconsider the decision, and Cashman has pledged that a Lib Dem-led council would introduce a city-wide Article 4 direction on day one next May if the call-in is rejected.
