A district council has come up with a set of exceptional circumstances to help decide when to give the go-ahead to new HMOs.

East Suffolk Council has adopted a new planning document around converting HMOs in the former Waveney area. This gives landlords more clarification about whether their applications might be successful by providing a list of circumstances which could be considered exceptional.

Under the guidance, these include housing affordability, as the authority’s report flags up a significant need for one-bedroom accommodation in North and South Lowestoft. It explains: “The need for such housing is therefore accepted on the basis of affordability and need not be demonstrated through individual planning applications.”

Exceptional

Other exceptional circumstances could be employment-related HMOs for the sole use of employees on a low-wage, along with student-only accommodation managed by, or on behalf of, a college or university.

Unsuccessful marketing - if there had been no interest in the current use for at least three months despite sustained marketing for proposed conversions - would be another exceptional circumstance, along with occupation by vulnerable occupants such as asylum seekers or homeless people - tied to organisations and charities.

The council report adds that even if exceptional circumstances are demonstrated, there is no guarantee that planning permission will be granted.

Councillor Mark Packard (pictured), cabinet member for planning and coastal management says: “This new guidance note provides clarity for property owners wishing to convert their building into an HMO and outlines the definition of an HMO, explains why planning permission for such conversions is required and also contains a range of useful information relating to licensing, building control and HMO standards.”