Solihull councillors have been told an update on a route to tackle the growing number of HMOs could be provided later this year.

The topic continues to rise in prominence with Solihull's MPs the latest to call for additional action.

Prior to the local elections Conservative-led Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) agreed to seek stronger powers to crackdown on the growing number of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in the borough.

Under current rules landlords can convert a family home into a HMO for up to six people without needing planning permission.

In April councillors agreed a cross party motion to seek a change to the licensing threshold from six to three occupants through the removal of permitted development rights by pursuing an article 4 directive – a route other councils have taken nationally.

On September 29, Solihull West and Shirley MP Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst and Meriden and Solihull East MP Saqib Bhatti wrote to SMBC leader Karen Grinsell about residents' concerns over "the number and concentration of HMOs across Solihull".

"As Solihull Council progresses with its new local plan we would welcome reassurances every appropriate planning tool is being considered to ensure HMOs remain at sustainable levels and that excessive concentrations do not negatively affect established communities," the MPs wrote.

The subject was raised at the economic development, managed growth and skills scrutiny board meeting examining the draft local plan on September 29.

The draft plan includes a section on HMOs with a policy saying: "Subject to the introduction of an Article 4 direction removing permitted development rights for the change of use from Class C3 dwellinghouses to small HMOs (Class C4), all relevant changes of use will require planning permission."

Cllr Kathyrn Thomas recommended the text be more aligned with the motion.

But officer Mark Andrews, the council's head of planning, design and engagement services, said the proposed article 4 was yet to go through the legal process which will involve public consultation, cabinet approval and legal notifications.

"We are working on looking at an evidence base to support an article 4 and we are hoping to bring something later this year through the cabinet process," the officer said.

"What we have tried to do (in the draft local plan) is not pre-determine – because that would potentially leave us open to legal challenge."

Cllr Thomas then asked: "What happens if we don't get one (an article 4)?"

The officer replied: "If we don't get one it would be because there isn't an evidence base to support it or it's legally challenged.

"But we are nowhere near that stage at the moment."

Cllr Thomas also proposed putting a requirement of the building of a couple of HMOs into the bigger new housing developments.

The councillor said this would spread the burden across Solihull "so instead of HMOs being solely the preserve of existing built up areas they are going across Solihull".

Officer Mark Andrews said: "My worry would be – we wouldn't have necessarily the evidence base to support that and it could be challenged quite reasonably through the examination process."

The councillor said: "That doesn't mean it isn't the right thing to do though. There is clearly evidence, it is a matter of fairness we should look to do this."

Cllr Andy Mackiewicz, the cabinet portfolio holder – climate change and planning said: "If there is a market need, developers will provide.

"There is a subtle difference between a six bedroom HMO and a block of flats.

"We want planning to be locally created. Your avenue is basically through neighbourhood plans rather than we impose things on people."