COUNCILLORS looking to manage the number and standard of houses of multiple occupation (HMO) in Falmouth are exploring another option after their first suggestion stalled.

The town council's planning committee had hoped to win Cornwall Council's support in its application for an Article 4 direction, which would enable the authority to limit the number of HMOs.

An Article 4 direction would require HMOs to be granted planning consent and would, said town councillors, help control the loss of family homes.

In March however, Cornwall Council's planning advisory panel decided not to pursue that legislation at that time, amid concerns over proposed changes to housing benefit.

However, town councillors have continued to look at ways to control HMOs and have now come up with another possible option.

Councillor Jenny Booth, chairman of the town's planning committee, said: "We have to look at the bigger picture. I was told Article 4 was the best way forward by the planning officer, however, we are doing a bit more homework and there is something called selective licensing.

"I have had a meeting with someone from the Cornwall Residential Landlords' Association and she said she would be more supportive if we went along this route rather than Article 4.

"I then had a meeting with the head of housing at Cornwall Council and they had not considered this either, so they have gone away to look at it to see if it would be a better way to manage our situation.

"It is just something we are looking at, together with the relevant bodies."

Vice-chairman Councillor Diana Merrett added: "If we do get this, every landlord will have to be licensed and keep their property to a greater standard."

Selective licensing, which was introduced in 2006 as part of the Housing Act 2004, is intended to address the impact of poor-quality private landlords and antisocial tenants.

In an area subject to selective licensing, all private landlords must obtain a licence and if they fail to do so, or fail to achieve acceptable management standards, the local authority can take enforcement action.

Falmouth's planning committee has unanimously supported a proposal to look into the possibility of pressing ahead with selective licensing, working with other relevant bodies.