TOUGHER licensing for private landlords in Burnley is set to be extended.

A 12-week public consultation was launched last year on whether selective licensing should be introduced in one area of Burnley, and existing schemes extended in three other areas.

Selective licensing encourages landlords and residents to work together with the council and other partners to improve areas by improving the management of private rented properties, tackling anti-social behaviour and crime and increasing demand for housing.

The current Trinity, Gannow and Queensgate selective licensing areas are due to end this year and proposals to renew the measures in those areas and also include Daneshouse and Stoneyholme for the next five years are expected to be approved when the council’s executive meets next week.

Clare Jackson, private sector housing manager, said: “The pockets of significantly high numbers of private rented properties are exacerbating the problem of low demand through poor property management and poor housing conditions.

“Selective licensing will help to address the problems associated with low demand by compelling those landlords that are not operating to minimum required standards to improve the management practices and the condition of their properties.

“This will improve the housing offer which in turn will help improve the unpopular perspective that residents have of these neighbourhoods.”

Landlords not meeting proper standards will be compelled to improve their management practices and the condition of their properties which, in turn, helps improve the surrounding area.

The results of the consultation held late last year with residents, landlords and other interested parties have been considered as part of the decision-making process.

The executive, which meets on February 11, is recommended to approve the schemes.

If the executive agrees the schemes the matter will then need to be referred to the Secretary of State for final approval before coming into operation in August.

Cllr John Harbour, the executive member for housing and environment, said: “The current schemes in Trinity, Gannow and Queensgate have been successful with moderate rises in house prices, reducing empty properties and anti-social behaviour, such as flytipping, showing a downward trend.

“We want to see that success continue which is why we’re considering building on the success of selective licensing in those areas and looking at proposals to introduce a new scheme in Daneshouse and Stoneyholme so people there can also see the benefits of closer partnership working between the council, private landlords and agents.”