New restrictions on houses in multiple occupation in Stoke-on-Trent will be introduced 'imminently'.

Cabinet members at Stoke-on-Trent City Council have agreed to implement an article 4 direction which will mean all new HMO conversions in the city will need planning permission.

At the moment, existing houses can be turned into HMOs for up to six unrelated people without a planning application under permitted development rights.

Council leaders say the direction will allow planners to stop new HMOs in areas where they are causing problems with parking and anti-social behaviour.

There are currently an estimated 2,000 HMOs in the city, with particularly high numbers in wards such as Basford & Hartshill, and Hanley Park, Joiner's Square & Shelton.

While the council has the power to introduce the article 4 direction on an immediate basis, a report to cabinet explained that this could leave the authority open to compensation claims from property owners.

On the other hand, a 12-month notice period could result in a rush of conversions across the city.

Following Tuesday's cabinet meeting, a council spokesperson confirmed that the article 4 direction would be implemented 'imminently', although the exact date has not yet been set.

Councillor Duncan Walker, cabinet member for housing, said the direction would address residents' concerns over the proliferation of HMOs in recent years.

He said: "To be absolutely clear, an article 4 direction only removes certain permitted development rights. It does not automatically block every HMO proposal.

"We're not proposing a blanket ban on HMOs, as there are circumstances where they are needed, and it is beyond reasonable doubt that we have significant housing need within the city.

"The evidence shows that HMOs are concentrated in a number of urban neighbourhoods, and the impact in terms of noise, waste and demand on parking is most acute in areas where concentrations are highest."

Sarah Hill, cabinet member for finance and councillor for Penkhull & Springfields, said residents in her ward were 'really pleased' to see the new rules being introduced.

She said: "Everybody recognises the importance of HMOs. It's what people can afford to live in. In my part of the city we have a lot of people working at the hospital who need that kind of accommodation.

"But the problem is that it's pricing young couples out of buying their first house, and it's destabilising communities and causing problems with parking."

The cabinet also agreed to introduce a new licensing scheme for smaller HMOs in order to improve standards, subject to consultation.

Currently, only HMOs for five or more unrelated people need to have a licence.