Ministers have granted permission for temporary accommodation for up to 1,256 people at MoD Bicester, but the Home Office has not decided to open it.
Bicester asylum centre granted planning permission
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Housing & Change of Use News
Recent housing and change-of-use news, including HMOs, Article 4 directions and decisions about residential use.
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Tonbridge HMO controls extended to wider areas
A further immediate Article 4 Direction took effect on 11th November, extending restrictions to additional mapped areas across Tonbridge and Malling.
Kingston HMO controls proposed across borough
Kingston proposes borough-wide controls on small HMOs, with an immediate Article 4 Direction due before councillors on 18 November.
Rental auctions pilot approved for four Cumbrian towns
Westmorland and Furness backs rental auctions in four town centres, with a further consultation before any vacant-shop leases can be auctioned.
Ardleigh annexe appeal allows rural home under NPPF
An Inspector allows an Essex annexe conversion under new countryside policy, but refuses to treat the home as secured self-build.
Bessbrook Mill redevelopment backed for 267 homes
Councillors support 267 homes and office space at Bessbrook Mill, with historic fabric, social housing and wastewater arrangements central to the scheme.
Arun enforcement costs awarded over demolition demand
An Inspector upheld Arun’s enforcement notice but removed its demolition demand and awarded partial costs against the council.
Manchester parking appeal: just three spaces lawful
Two Manchester car park lawfulness appeals leave only three spaces certified for non-resident parking, with both costs applications refused.
Class MA appeal removes cap on 25 Gloucester flats
An Inspector removes a one-person occupancy condition from a Gloucester office conversion containing 66 flats, clarifying the purpose of space standards.
Children’s home appeals win under two different C2 tests
Two children’s home appeals succeed in Bolton and Birmingham, revealing different routes to approval for residential care under Use Class C2.
Reading HMO controls could expand under Article 4 plan
Reading councillors will consider extending HMO planning controls to further neighbourhoods, with a non-immediate Article 4 Direction proposed.
Sutton Co-Living Approval Grants 359 Shared Units
Sutton grants full permission for 359 co-living units at St Nicholas House, combining office reuse, commercial premises, a music venue and public realm improvements.
Brighton annexe appeal wins four-year time-limit case
Brighton Inspector confirms an independent garden dwelling was lawful under the historic four-year rule, but refuses the appellant’s costs claim.
Stoke hot food takeaway appeal fails over park proximity
Stoke takeaway refused under new national policy after an Inspector counted accessible parkland within 400 metres, despite no nearby school.
Liverpool HMO controls take effect in five areas
Liverpool HMO controls now apply in five mapped areas, requiring planning permission for small HMO conversions, with a further Direction proposed for 2027.
Class MA appeals fail after flats started too soon
Two Class MA conversion appeals fail after Inspectors find that residential works had begun before the necessary prior approval.
Knowsley HMO controls come into force
The sealed borough-wide Direction removes a permitted development right for small shared homes, with public consultation open until 16th December.
Hammersmith Class MA appeal wins 24 flats
An Inspector allows 24 London flats after rejecting cycle access, sunlight and fire-safety objections under the Class MA prior-approval rules.
Oxford HMO lawfulness appeal fails despite licences
Licences and letters fail to establish ten years of continuous HMO use as an Oxford certificate of lawfulness appeal is dismissed.
Rental property register: new guidance for landlords
New government guidance explains England’s landlord register, agents’ responsibilities, HMO records, regional deadlines and the proposed annual fee.
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