Concerned residents have called for a curb on the number of mixed-use homes in Darlington. 

Council leaders have been urged to introduce new rules to ensure better quality housing and the prevention of perceived issues such as anti-social behaviour, parking and environmental problems.

Mandip Singh Bains urged the council to tighten its housing regulations and respond to residents’ concerns.  

He told a full council meeting: “In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of homes being converted into houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). These HMOs can be dangerous; you are six times more likely to die in a fire if you live in an HMO compared to a single-family house. 

“You are 16 times more at risk of fatal injury if you live in an HMO which is three or more storeys high. It has been found that the rate of crime and anti-social behaviour rises with an increase in the number of HMOs in the area.”

There are currently around 400 HMOs in Darlington.

Current planning rules mean that planning permission for an HMO is only required when it will house more than five people. Specific measures - called an Article four direction - can be implemented in areas with a large student population. 

Mr Bains added: “When the council allows for the alteration of a three-bedroom house, which was intended for one household into a five-bedroom HMO, there appears to be no consideration made to the strain placed on local services, such as access to local health facilities, transport and even green spaces. 

“Alongside this HMOs can cause problems for local communities with an increase in anti-social behaviour, increased noise levels, parking difficulties, pressure on local facilities, and family homes being replaced. 

“Will the council continue with [its] decision to increase the number of licences issued for HMOs or will they listen to the concerns of local residents and place a halt on the expansion in Darlington?”

Darlington Borough Council accepted there are “legitimate concerns” but said it is currently bound by legislation which means only HMOs for more than five people require licences.

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Councillor Jim Garner, cabinet member for stronger communities, said: “The majority of HMOs in Darlington fall outside the remit of mandatory licensing due to the number of occupants residing in the property. There are approximately 400 HMOs in Darlington with currently around 50 meeting the mandatory licensed property requirement which will change as we receive new applications. The number of HMO licence applications received since the publication of the strategy has increased by 45 per cent. 

“It must be stressed that HMOs are not just for people who are desperate for a roof over their heads, they are also an attractive alternative for people on short-term contracts especially in the health sector and other professions.

“While HMOs play an important role in the housing market this council is conscious that certain issues relating to housing standards and some anti-social behaviour activities can be associated with HMOs. Therefore, this council has committed to review the current inspection regime as detailed in the council plan.”