Consultation started on Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Goole
East Riding of Yorkshire Council wants your views
East Riding of Yorkshire Council has opened a consultation on the imposition of new restrictions on converting residential properties in Goole into Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
Currently, the conversion of a house into a small HMO for three to six people can be carried out under permitted development legislation, meaning no planning permission is required. The council therefore has no control over where small HMOs are located.
Through its Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, East Riding of Yorkshire Council has identified a Rapid Inundation Zone in Goole, as an area of significant danger to people and property. Small HMOs often use all rooms including ground‑floor rooms as bedrooms, which can put occupants at particular risk during flooding incidents and limit access to safe upper‑floor areas.
Accordingly, East Riding council will introduce an Article 4 Direction (The Town and Country Planning General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015.
This will remove permitted development rights in this high‑risk zone, meaning planning permission would be required before a conversion could occur. This would 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, which can be found at https://consultation.eastriding.gov.uk/s/GooleArticle4DirectionPublicConsultation/
East Riding of Yorkshire Council cabinet member for planning, Councillor Nick Coultish, 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.”