Councillors vote down 10% HMO cap deferral of Local Development Plan
LDP endorsed at Council's June plenary and 10% HMO cap to be addressed in future Local Policies Plans
Derry City and Strabane District councillors have voted down an amendment deferring the ratification of its draft Local Development Plan (LDP) because it does not contain a 10% cap on HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation).
The Local Development Plan was endorsed at Council's June plenary on Wednesday afternoon.
The amendment was proposed by Cllr Shaun Harkin (PBP) earlier in the same meeting and was seconded by Ald Julie Middleton (DUP).
It stated: “Furthermore, Council will defer ratification of the LDP until Council officers provide members with a paper at the July Planning Committee explaining the impact of this motion and the mechanisms to ensure the 10% cap will be supported.”
Cllr Harkin brought the amendment to a substantive motion proposed by Cllr Grace Uí Niallais (SF) and seconded by Cllr Christopher Jackson (SF) which read: “This Council endorses the campaign requesting the introduction of a 10% cap on HMOs in residential areas within our Council area.
“Council recognises the concerns raised by residents surrounding the estimated timeframe involved in developing our Local Policies Plan, and the potential for unsustainable HMO development in the interim period.
“The Council will proceed with the Local Development Plan as a matter of urgency.
“In the interim, assessment of all HMO applications, weight is given to ensuring that Council’s ambition to introduce a 10% cap is not prejudiced prior to the implementation of the Local Policies Plan.”
The substantive motion was passed by 31 votes in favour, one against and one abstention.
While the LDP.was endorsed, the 10% HMO cap, campaigned for by residents' groups including Concerned Residents Around Magee (CRAM), is due to be addressed in future Local Policies Plans.
Cllr Shaun Harkin (PBP) and Cllr Gary Donnelly (Independent) abstained on the LDP