What’s your view on HMOs - houses in multiple occupation?

Maidstone council says they can play an important role in providing affordable housing - especially for single people, but that they sometimes come at a price.

Some areas of the borough - the High Street ward, Fant and Penenden Heath - have way more HMOs than others and it is often this concentration that can upset existing residents, bringing pressure on parking spaces, unsightly rows of waste bins and a change to the character of the area.

The council is proposing new draft regulations to better control where HMOs would be permitted and is asking the public, businesses and landlords for their views on the suggestions.

The Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) aims to improve the quality of HMO accommodation, minimise potential adverse effects on neighbours, balance the need for family homes with the demand for HMOs, and provide a clear and consistent framework for HMO planning applications.

Cllr Tony Harwood, the cabinet member for planning policy, said: “This will be a game-changing set of new rules to help ensure that future developments are well-managed and applicants have access to comprehensive HMO guidance before submitting their proposals.

“I urge everyone to share their views to help shape the SPD and ensure that Maidstone remains a great place for everyone to live.”

Cllr Simon Wales, cabinet member for housing, said: “HMOs provide a form of low-cost housing, particularly for younger people and people on low incomes.

“They also provide flexible options for people who have short-term housing requirements and for those who prefer to live in a shared house with a number of other people.”

The consultation is open for four weeks, from tomorrow (Monday), closing at midnight on Sunday, April 27.

People can give their views via the Let’s Talk Maidstone platform.

Among the suggestions is that no HMO be permitted where it it would have the effect of sandwiching a traditional family home between two HMOs.