Peterborough councillors hope to come down harder on the growth of smaller HMOs by introducing a trial Article 4 Direction.

It comes only a few weeks after the authority agreed to push for a new selective licensing scheme covering 40% of all private rental properties. It will now ask the Secretary of State whether it can introduce a direction in the city, meaning that smaller HMOs would need to apply for planning consent.

Hampton, Fletton and Woodston and Park have been chosen for the trial, following a public consultation last year which flagged up potential issues in these areas. If a trial goes ahead and is successful, the council says it could be extended to other areas of the city.

Councillor Marco Cereste, cabinet member for climate change, planning, housing and transport, says: “HMOs have their place in any city as a low-cost form of accommodation for residents.

"We are looking to better regulate all HMOs, including smaller ones, so we know where they are located in the city and can make sure that any issues arising from high density living – either for residents themselves or their neighbours – can be dealt with swiftly.”

Thousands

Meanwhile, in Leicester, the council has agreed to extend its Article 4 direction to more areas of the city, covering thousands more homes.

Following a public consultation, the West End zone will now be extended to stretch from Rowley Fields, to Westcotes, Newfoundpool and parts of the Waterside area, while the Clarendon Park area will incorporate much of Knighton Fields, Knighton, Stoneygate and part of Aylestone.

A third new area will include much of Spinney Hills and Highfields.