Sixteen HMO applications were registered by Middlesbrough Council in just four days, many seeking “lawful use” certificates.
New council rules now require planning permission, effective since February 8th. Before this date, permission was only needed for HMOs with seven or more residents; four to six residents didn’t require permission until 2025, as stated on the council website. One application was rejected under these new rules last month.
Since February 8th, an “Article Four Direction” is in effect. These plans were reported earlier this year. The new rules require planning permission for all HMOs and remove previous permitted development rights. Any HMO development now needs an application.
Most of the town falls under these new rules. Middlehaven and the town centre are exceptions, belonging to the Middlesbrough Development Corporation, which is also a mayoral development area.
One HMO on Meath Street is seeking a certificate, claiming to be an existing HMO since November 2024. Its application states it is for existing use. A Carlow Street property seeks similar confirmation.
The Carlow Street application mentions building regulations, claiming the conversion followed guidelines. The application seeks confirmation of lawful use as a four-bed HMO with en-suites, seeking confirmation it is lawful now.
A three-bed HMO on Acton Street reports its status, arguing it was a “small HMO” before February 8, 2025. Another three-bed HMO on Laurel Street did the same, submitting a report to the council.
Of the 15 certificate requests, 13 claim existing use, stating the properties were HMOs before February 8, 2025. These reports support their applications.
Some streets are more common for HMOs, featuring three properties on Laurel Street and two on Upton Street. Two more are located on Essex Street. This data comes from the 16 applications received within those four days.