Agenda item

This briefing paper aims to provide the Panel with an overview of additional licensing and to ensure that their views and comments are incorporated into the process leading up to the final Cabinet decision to proceed or not, expected later in the year.

Naomi Mackrill, University of Bath Students Union addressed the Panel. She explained how she had recently spoken at both the Cabinet meeting and Development Control Committee against the introduction of Article 4. She stated that she felt that additional licensing was not required within Bath and was concerned that rents would increase if landlords were required to apply for licences and make improvements to their properties.

The Associate Director for Housing introduced this item to the Panel. He informed them that in June 2011 the Cabinet requested that an investigation should be undertaken into how planning controls (including an Article 4 Direction) could be used to control the future spread and increase in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Bath. A feasibility study was undertaken which collated the relevant local evidence and formulated options for action.

He added that the Housing Act 2004 increased Local Housing Authorities (LHA) abilities to regulate the private rented sector by introducing three forms of licensing, these being: Mandatory licensing of HMOs; additional licensing of HMOs; and selective licensing of the private rented sector. Operating a property covered by the designation without a license is an offence punishable by a fine up to £20,000.

Councillor Will Sandry commented that this was a very important matter that needed to be addressed. He informed the Panel that he believed the University of Bath planned to increase their numbers by 500 pupils over the next three years. He cited that one of the main problems with regard to this matter were landlords that didn’t care about their properties or their tenants. He suggested that current HMO tenants should be involved in the consultation exercise and asked for the decision to enable the best results for the tenants. He also called for a code of conduct to be formulated.

The Associate Director for Housing replied that as part of any licensing procedure it must be made clear the expected conditions that are being applied to a property. He agreed that it was critical to speak to current residents.

The Chairman commented that he believed it was important to gather the views of both landlords and tenants.

Councillor Barry Macrae commented that any licensing procedure must have teeth to have any impact.

Councillor Will Sandry wished to state his concern over the number of garages that were being converted into bedrooms with a sink and a toilet and proposed whether a minimum space requirement for a bedroom should be included in the licensing conditions.

The Chairman asked for an outline of the next stages for this piece of work.

The Associate Director for Housing replied that formal consultation will take place over the late summer/early autumn period, ensuring that students are included. A report will be submitted to the Panel towards the end of 2012 and to the Cabinet in the early part of 2013.

Councillor Will Sandry requested that the consultation should overlap term times.

The Panel RESOLVED to note the report and asked for the Associate Director for Housing to consider their comments.