Lambeth: new planning controls imposed on Streatham HMOs, in response to residents’ concerns

The ‘Article 4 Direction’ will give the council greater control over the creation of new HMO properties occupied by more than one household, in Streatham Common & Vale, and Streatham St. Leonard’s.

Residents of both wards had expressed concerns relating to the notably high number of HMOs, and associated impacts including instances of reported anti-social behaviour, loss of family homes and impact on the character of the areas.

The change will require changes of use from standard dwellings to new ‘small HMOs’ in the two affected wards to apply for planning permission from 11 August 2025. When assessing such planning applications, the council will be able to consider matters such as loss of family homes, and impact on local amenity and parking.

Word from the Cabinet

Councillor Danny Adilypour, Deputy Leader of the Council (Housing, Investment and New Homes) said: “We are taking firm action to address the negative impacts of HMOs on our residents. This planning mechanism will help control the number and impact of any additional HMOs, protecting family homes and our local communities.

“With this decision, we will progress a key priority of our Housing Strategy – supporting healthy and safe neighbourhoods.”

The planning control comes as part of a wider programme of measures designed to improve conditions in the private rented sector, including last year’s launch of a new landlord licensing scheme, to tackle rogue landlords.

Since October 2010, a change of use from a standard dwelling to a ‘small HMO’ (which has between three and six occupiers) has not needed planning permission as this is considered ‘permitted development’ under national planning legislation. This means the council had no powers to prevent such changes of standard dwellings to small HMOs.

A public consultation on the proposed Direction took place between 12 August and 7 October 2024. Of the 153 representations received, 103 supported the proposed Direction or stated that HMOs were having a negative impact on the local area. The council has now decided to confirm the non-immediate Article 4 Direction to cover the two wards, and it will come into effect on 11 August 2025.