Issue - meetings

1.

Title of Item/Report

Houses in Multiple Occupation Supplementary Planning Document and Article 4 Direction

2.

Record of the Decision

Consideration was given to a report on Houses in Multiple Occupation Supplementary Planning Document and Article 4 Direction.

The report outlined activities undertaken in the preparation and consultation on a Houses in Multiple Occupation Supplementary Planning Document and Article 4 Direction following the resolution of Cabinet / Council in January 2026. The report sought adoption of the Houses in Multiple Occupation Supplementary Planning Document and outlined the next steps in relation to confirmation of the Article 4 Direction.

The Houses in Multiple Occupation SPD (Appendix A of the report) had been prepared following the resolution of Council in January 2026 and if adopted would apply to planning applications for new houses of multiple occupation whether that be a new build or through the conversion of an existing property. The document had been produced to ensure proposals for Houses of Multiple Occupation contributed positively to making places better for people, improving standards of accommodation, and reducing detrimental impacts on neighbours. It assisted in the interpretation of policies within the Stockton-on-Tees Local Plan and sets out guidance and good practice for planning applicants to enable the delivery of better planning outcomes.

The SPD had been prepared in accordance with Government legislation and guidance and had been subject to public consultation in accordance with regulations. The public consultation period on the draft SPD took place between 19th March and the 17th April 2026. A total of 13 responses were received on the contents of the draft SPD. These responses could be summarised as falling into 3 categories:

•         Organisations- Natural England, Coal Authority, Home Office, Prism Planning, North Yorkshire Council, Historic England

•         Local Resident- 6 local residents

•         Ward Councillor- one response

A consultation statement (Appendix B of the report) had been prepared which contained comments / main issues raised alongside the council’s response to them.

Also provided were screening assessments in relation to the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) have been undertaken and are available within Appendix C and D of the report respectively.

It was recommended that the SPD document (Appendix A of the report) and its technical appendices (Appendices B to D of the report), be adopted which would enable them to be a material consideration in planning applications for relevant proposals. Following adoption, the documents would be made available in the Council’s main office, on the Council’s website and in public libraries across the Borough. Members should also be aware that legislation makes provision for individuals / organisations to pursue a legal challenge regarding SPDs, and this would end 3-months after adoption of the documents.

In accordance with The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (Commencement No. 11 and Saving and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2026 the Council can adopt Supplementary Planning Documents until 30th June 2026. Adopted SPDs would continue to be a  ...  view the full decision text for item 10.