Three areas get licensing scheme '˜Yes'

The council received the confirmation from the Secretary of State to implement selective licensing schemes in Burnley Wood with Healey Wood, Leyland Road and the Ingham and Lawrence Street areas.

The confirmation means that the council will extend minimum operating standards in these areas by ensuring that landlords keep to suitable management practices and maintain the condition of their properties.

Coun. John Harbour, Burnley Council’s executive member for housing and environment, said: “The council believes selective licensing is good for residents and landlords, raising housing standards, making areas more attractive and increasing housing demand.

“This, in turn, helps boost the whole town.

“We look forward to working with landlords and local people to carry on improving the private rented houses. The scheme comes into effect on November 15th and council officers will be in touch with landlords to provide the information of how to apply for a license.”

Burnley is one of the first authorities to receive the government’s confirmation under the new General Approval 2015.

The legislation requires local authorities to get approval for any selective licensing scheme which covers more than 20% of their geographical area or affects more than 20% of privately rented homes in the area.

When combined with the current areas of Trinity, Gannow and Queensgate, the selective licensing designations within the borough will cover around 30% of the total private rented properties in the Burnley.

Selective licensing encourages landlords and residents to work together with the council and other partners to improve areas by tackling problems associated with private rented houses such as anti-social behaviour and crime in empty properties.