Restrictions on HMO conversions could mitigate flood concerns
County Hall in Beverley, HQ of East Riding Council(Image: Donna Clifford/HullLive)
A consultation on planned restrictions on HMOs (Houses of Multiple Occupation) in Goole has been launched by East Riding Council. The council says the restrictions are due to an increased danger of flooding in the town.
Currently, a house can be converted into a ‘small HMO’ (three to six people) without planning permission being granted. As a result, the council has no control over where small HMOs are.
The council has identified a Rapid Inundation Zone in Goole. This means an area is at heightened risk of flooding within a short timeframe.
As HMOs often have bedrooms on the ground floor, if they flood, it is seen as a significant danger to people and property. To mitigate the danger, the council will introduce restrictions on houses being converted into HMOs in the town.
An Article 4 Direction is set to be introduced. This means planning permission will be required before a conversion into a HMO can occur.
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This will allow the council to consider flood risk and appropriate mitigation through site‑specific flood risk assessments. The council has launched a consultation for local residents on the Article 4 direction. Representations may be sent to the council during the statutory consultation period which will run until June 16. More information can be found here.
Councillor Nick Coultish, the council’s cabinet member for planning said: ”We’re dedicated to supporting thriving communities across the East Riding and taking appropriate actions to protect public safety. We encourage interested residents to participate in the consultation and have their voices heard.”
As well as being the council’s cabinet member for planning, Cllr Coultish also represents a Goole ward in the council. He sits as a Conservative councillor for Goole North, the same ward as the leader of East Riding Council, Cllr Anne Handley.
To find all the planning applications, traffic diversions, road layout changes, alcohol licence applications and more, visit the Public Notices Portal .