Written Question · S2W-11305 · Session 2
Whether it has any proposals to strengthen legislation regarding planning and houses in multiple occupation to ensure that work carried out…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has any proposals to strengthen legislation regarding planning and houses in multiple occupation to ensure that work carried out to such properties complies with planning and building warrant regulations.
The answer
Not all houses in multiple occupation (HMO) require planning permission, nor would all changes to a building to meet HMO licensing requirements necessarily need a building warrant.
Local authorities are encouraged to establish effective co-ordination and systems for sharing information between all the departments which may have an interest in HMO properties. This advice is set out in two documents recently published by the Scottish Executive. Planning Circular 4/2004: Houses in Multiple Occupation: Guidance on the interface between planning control and licensing (Bib number 33931) and Mandatory licensing of houses in Multiple Occupation: Guidance for licensing authorities (Bib. number 34059).
It would be for each department of the local authority to satisfy themselves that work carried out at any type of property complied with any grants of permission under planning or building legislation or with the requirements for HMO licensing.
We have no plans to amend planning and building control legislation in so far as it relates specifically to HMO.
Local authorities are encouraged to establish effective co-ordination and systems for sharing information between all the departments which may have an interest in HMO properties. This advice is set out in two documents recently published by the Scottish Executive. Planning Circular 4/2004: Houses in Multiple Occupation: Guidance on the interface between planning control and licensing (Bib number 33931) and Mandatory licensing of houses in Multiple Occupation: Guidance for licensing authorities (Bib. number 34059).
It would be for each department of the local authority to satisfy themselves that work carried out at any type of property complied with any grants of permission under planning or building legislation or with the requirements for HMO licensing.
We have no plans to amend planning and building control legislation in so far as it relates specifically to HMO.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S2W-11305 by reference.