Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

Subject Plan Belfast City Council Area 2015

Publication of the Issues Paper
15th August 2006

There is growing concern at the increasing number of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and the concentration of such accommodation in certain parts of Belfast City Council area.

Local community groups and the media have highlighted the impact that such accommodation and associated activity is having on these areas. This includes a detrimental impact on residential amenity, a higher incidence of crime and poor community integration.

A Subject Plan that specifically addresses the issues of HMOs within Belfast is considered the best method of developing and implementing planning policies for the city, including those areas where HMOs are concentrated. The aim of this Issues Paper is to promote debate on issues that are likely to influence the preparation and development of the HMO Subject Plan.

The issues surrounding HMOs are diverse and therefore need to be tackled in a multi-disciplinary way through partnership with other relevant bodies. An Inter-Agency Strategic Group, under the chairmanship of Belfast City Council’s Chief Executive, has been established to develop a comprehensive strategy for HMOs. Planning Service and all other key agencies are represented on the Group. Planning Service can make an important contribution to a strategy through the development of a HMO Subject Plan.

Issues Paper

Document	Details
HMO Issues Paper	1,894 Kb

Responding to this Issues Paper

The consultation period following publication of the Issues Paper will last for 14 weeks and ends at 5.00pm on 21st November 2005. During this period events will be held to focus views on the issues the Subject Plan should address.

There are two ways you can respond: