Rising Concerns Over HMO Developments in Surrey Street

Residents Fear Decline of Local Community

In Sunbury, Surrey, many residents warn that their area may lose quality. They see trends similar to Hounslow. More Houses in Multiple Occupation appear near them. Neighbors talk about these changes and express worry. They feel that more tenants in a single home may weaken community ties.

Richard Evans lives on Vicarage Road. He learned that a nearby house will soon serve six tenants. His words show that the stress affects his mental health. He has lived in the area for 20 years. His home is a small semi-detached, two-bedroom cottage. He fears that sharing a house will bring noise and extra cars on the street.

Understanding Houses in Multiple Occupation

Houses in Multiple Occupation have many tenants from different households. They share kitchens and bathrooms. Students, young workers, and people with lower incomes often choose these homes. Their rent stays lower than normal. UK law needs a licence for any home that shelters five or more people from different households. If a property has over six tenants, planning permission comes into play.

Landlords must follow strict health and safety rules. Yet, Evans feels that it is hard to control who moves in. He worries about the new tenants, the loss of old community links, and more local disturbances.

Local Government Response

Councillor Harry Boparai calls for stricter rules on these changes. He said HMOs risk breaking down the close bond in a neighbourhood while only helping some landlords. He mentioned Hounslow as a warning sign. He noted that unregulated growth of HMOs has led to noise, more trash, and a changed look in the area.

Some property owners disagree with more rules. They fear that extra restrictions could harm the local economy at a time when affordable homes are few. One owner said that many local workers have modest earnings and need cheap homes.

The Local Council’s Position

Spelthorne Borough Council shared that nearly 150 HMOs have licences in the borough. In addition, about 70 homes may run without a licence. In Sunbury Common, 17 HMOs have licences while another four await them. The council said a blanket Article 4 rule is hard to use without solid evidence of many local complaints. From October 2023 to September 2024, there were only 22 formal complaints. This count makes up just 2% of all planning cases.

The Planning Committee will meet on January 8, 2025. They will look at HMO rules, especially in North Staines, Ashford North, and Stanwell. In these areas, Article 4 is already in effect because of many reports about HMOs.

A Community on Edge

Residents like Richard Evans and his sister feel they face hard changes. They fear that unchecked HMO growth will hurt their close community. Evans’ sister said, “It would be so sad to see Spelthorne become like Hounslow.” They worry that new tenants may upset long-held ties and traditions. The strain of possibly needing to move adds to their anxiety.

In summary, local residents worry that their area might soon look unrecognizable if HMO growth continues. The local council will decide on rules soon. The decision at the next Planning Committee meeting may shape the future of the borough.

References

• Surrey Live
• Spelthorne Borough Council
• Hounslow Council Reports
• UK Government: Houses in Multiple Occupation

This blog post gives a clear view of the issues around HMO developments in Surrey. It keeps the local debate and regulatory challenges in focus for any reader or investor.

Disclaimer: This article has been generated by AI based on the latest news from Google News sources. While we strive for accuracy, we recommend verifying key details from official reports.