HMOs in Greater Manchester: A Double-Edged Sword for Local Neighbourhoods
Introduction
In Greater Manchester, HMOs rise fast. Houses in Multiple Occupation change streets and lives nearby. Many people seek low-cost homes here. Local councils fight this surge. Residents speak up and many even think of selling.
The Growing Demand for HMOs
HMOs attract tenants as rent climbs. Tenants share rooms and costs, keeping bills close to the rent. This setup fits low-income budgets well.
Landlords note that HMOs fill empty rooms and give steady cash. They work to change big houses into several units to meet the growing need.
Community Concerns
Local voices worry about too many HMOs. They say these living places change established streets and reduce family homes.
Bolton Council shows numbers jump from 170 to over 720 in a short time. In meetings, council members from all groups ask for a tighter rule on small HMOs. They want the old planning permissions brought back from 2010. Salford shares this worry too. In a report, Salford shows 1,254 new HMOs from 2017 to 2023. This rise puts a strain on local life. The Salford Mayor, Paul Dennett, sees the change as a result of few council homes and more homeless people. Some HMO rules now fix a cap. They stop new HMOs when they match over 10% of homes inside a 100-metre space around a site.
The Local Perspective
In places like Breightmet, long-time locals fear change. One resident sees family homes turn into spaces with many people. He thinks this shift may draw short-term stays rather than stable ties. He says several neighbours plan to sell because of this shift.
Sean Fielding, a council member, sees HMOs as a piece of the mix. Yet, too many on a street can break community bonds and cut down on family homes. A resident in her 70s said, "Having people in HMOs without really putting down roots can’t be good for community." Her words show a worry that local life might fade.
Campaigns for Regulation
Outcry over growing HMOs starts local action. A group called "Say No To HMO Horwich" gathers support. They ask for fewer HMOs to keep family homes safe. Their goal is not to push away tenants but to find a balance that keeps community life firm.
They state: "We see the need for affordable homes. Yet, the rise in HMOs lowers family homes, puts too much strain on local paths, and shifts how our streets work."
Conclusion
HMOs in Greater Manchester show deep housing challenges in UK towns. The need for low-cost homes grows fast. At the same time, people want their streets to stay close-knit. Local councils push for new rules to build carefully. All voices—from landlords to residents—must work side by side. Only with shared plans can local life stay strong and welcoming.
Sources
- Manchester Evening News. "They’re ‘changing the face of neighbourhoods’ and residents are thinking of selling up." Link
- Bolton Council Data Reports.
- Salford Council Planning Document.
- Change.org Petition – “Stop the Over-development of HMOs – Protect Family Homes in Horwich.” Link
- UK Housing Market Overview.
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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.
