It is claimed the house in Ramsdell, Stevenage, has been a HMO since 2014. (Image: Freepik)
The owners of an existing house of multiple occupation (HMO) in Stevenage have applied to the local authority for a Certificate of Lawfulness for its use.
The agent acting on behalf of the owners claims the property in Ramsdell has been used as a five-bedroom HMO since 2014, when the conversion would have been encompassed within permitted development, as it was prior to a law change in 2017.
A HMO is a shared house occupied by individuals who share basic amenities but do not form a single household.
An application for a Certificate of Lawfulness for the use of the property as a HMO was submitted to Stevenage Borough Council on Thursday.
The council is due to make a decision by May 2.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here