South Tyneside Council Introduces Borough-Wide Restrictions on Small HMOs

Summary: South Tyneside Council has implemented an immediate borough-wide Article 4 direction requiring landlords to obtain planning permission before converting homes into small Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). This move aims to address concerns about the rapid increase in unregulated HMO conversions and their impact on local communities.

New Planning Permission Requirement for Small HMOs

Landlords in South Tyneside who wish to convert properties into small HMOs must now apply for planning permission. This follows the council’s approval of an immediate Article 4 direction across the borough, designed to regulate the growth of HMOs more effectively.

The decision was prompted by a significant rise in HMO conversions in recent years, many of which occurred without the council’s knowledge. According to reports in The Chronicle, councillors emphasised the need for swift action to prevent a surge in applications during the 12-month notice period that typically accompanies such directions, which could otherwise undermine the policy’s objectives.

Rationale Behind the Article 4 Direction

Between January 2024 and September 2025, the council identified at least 30 cases of small HMO conversions, alongside 22 new licences issued for larger HMOs. Local residents and councillors have raised concerns about the effects of these developments on parking availability, noise levels, waste management, and the overall character of neighbourhoods.

South Tyneside Council highlighted the success of the existing Article 4 Direction in the Lawe Top area of South Shields, which has been in place for ten years and has effectively limited new HMOs there. This success has informed the decision to extend similar controls borough-wide.

Community Concerns and Council Response

Councillor Ernest Gibson, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and climate change, expressed particular concern about issues such as noise, waste, antisocial behaviour, and overcrowding. He cited the Beach Road area of South Shields as an example where residents have reported problems linked to HMOs.

Gibson stated: “The unchecked growth of HMOs serves no one, except for the landlords and for profit and from the lack of regulation. The direction will allow us to manage the growth responsibly and ensure that HMOs are located in proper locations and meet community standards, as well as supporting our climate change goal by reducing pressures on infrastructure and promoting sustainability in development, which we can only achieve by appropriate regulation.”

He further emphasised that delaying the implementation of the Article 4 Direction would send the wrong message and could trigger a spike in HMO conversions before the council takes control.

Implications for Landlords

This new requirement means landlords must now secure planning permission before converting properties into small HMOs anywhere in South Tyneside. Failure to comply could lead to enforcement action, including potential fines or orders to reverse unauthorised conversions.

Landlords should also be aware of the wider community concerns that have driven this policy change, including the impact on local infrastructure and neighbourhood amenity. Responsible management and compliance with planning regulations will be essential to maintaining good relationships with local authorities and communities.

Context Within Broader HMO Regulation

Article 4 directions are a common tool used by councils across the UK to control the spread of HMOs, particularly in areas where their concentration is deemed to have negative effects. This move by South Tyneside aligns with similar actions taken by other local authorities aiming to balance the demand for shared housing with community well-being.

Landlords operating or considering HMOs in South Tyneside should monitor any further guidance or updates from the council to ensure ongoing compliance with planning and licensing requirements.

Conclusion

South Tyneside Council’s decision to implement a borough-wide Article 4 direction represents a significant regulatory change for landlords interested in small HMO conversions. By requiring planning permission, the council aims to manage growth responsibly, address community concerns, and support sustainability goals.

Landlords should act promptly to understand and comply with these new rules to avoid enforcement issues and contribute positively to the local housing environment.

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South Tyneside Council has introduced an immediate borough-wide Article 4 direction requiring planning permission for small HMO conversions. Landlords must comply to avoid enforcement and support community standards.

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South Tyneside Council Imposes Borough-Wide Planning Permission for Small HMOs