Policy information sourced from the Islington Local Plan
H10 Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
- The Council will support the provision of new small-scale HMOs where they:
- do not give rise to any significant adverse amenity impact(s) on the surrounding neighbourhood; and
- provide a good quality of accommodation within non-self-contained units, in line with the relevant requirements set out in HMO best practice standards.
- Proposals involving the loss of good quality HMOs will be resisted, unless the replacement use meets an acute need identified by Islington Council’s housing department, particularly genuinely affordable housing.
- Proposals for large-scale HMOs are not considered the best approach to meeting housing needs in the borough. On sites where the Council considers that large-scale HMOs may be an acceptable form of housing in principle, proposals must:
- prevent any significant adverse amenity impact(s) on the surrounding neighbourhood. Sufficient evidence – including a detailed management plan – must be provided;
- be consistent with all relevant parts of Policy H2 and H4. With regard to minimum space standards, living space and communal space must be comfortable and functional for the needs of tenants and must include adequate space for storage;
- Ensure that 5% of bedspaces, their associated bathrooms and all common parts (including a unisex WC on every floor) are easily adaptable for occupation by wheelchair users;
- provide 35% (or 50% where on public sector land) on-site affordable housing and provide tenures in line with Policy H3. Cash in lieu payments will be acceptable where it can be demonstrated that it is not possible to deliver the affordable housing on-site in accordance with London Plan Policy H16; and
- provide appropriate and accessible communal facilities and services.
For more information please see the Islington Local Plan