To consider a report of the Executive Member for Housing and Strategic Planning.

The Executive Member for Housing and Strategic Planning submitted a report which set out the reasons behind proposals to introduce a borough-wide Article 4 Direction to remove permitted development rights for changes of use from dwellings (Use Class C3) to Houses in Multiple Occupation (Use Class C4). It advised the Executive of the proposal and of the steps which would be required to be taken should authority to make the Article 4 Direction be approved by the Planning and Development Management Committee, including undertaking statutory consultation requirements. In discussion the Executive Member advised that the introduction of the Order was one element of a broader approach to dealing with potential issues arising from HMOs; and that other impacts would be considered via the Planning and Licensing processes, as appropriate.

RESOLVED – That it be noted that the Planning and Development Management Committee is to be asked to consider a Report containing the following recommendations:-

(i) To resolve that the making of a direction pursuant to Article 4(1) of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 on a Boroughwide basis to withdraw the permitted development rights to convert a dwellinghouse (C3) to a House in Multiple Occupation (C4) is appropriate, and justified, in order to prevent harm to local amenity and the wellbeing of the Trafford area.

(ii) To approve the making of the Article 4(1) Direction for the Borough Boundary.

(iii) To delegate authority to the Director of Legal Services and the Director of Growth and Regulatory Services to make the Article 4(1) Direction for the Borough boundary and to carry out all necessary consultation following the making of the Direction, to notify the Secretary of State in accordance with statutory requirements and to take all other action considered necessary or expedient to give effect to the matters set out in this report.

(iv) To confirm that, the Boroughwide Article 4(1) Direction will be effective with immediate effect once made.

(v) To note that following public consultation a further report will be presented to the Committee reporting on the outcome of the consultation and recommending whether or not to confirm the Direction.