New rules to manage the number and quality of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Hartlepool are being proposed to give greater control over the town’s housing development and tackle anti-social behaviour.

Hartlepool Development Corporation (HDC) has today (September 24) launched a public consultation over a proposed change to its planning guidance. The new rules – known as an Article 4 Direction - would mean landlords could no longer convert a standard dwelling house into a small HMO without first applying for planning permission.

The change covering the HDC Zone runs alongside a separate proposal by Hartlepool Council which would introduce similar restrictions across the entire town. The new rules follow discussions with Cleveland Police , which highlighted a link between hig

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