Growing Concerns Over HMO Developments in Surrey: Are Neighbours Watching Their Communities Change?
The growth of HMOs in Surrey has sparked worry among locals. Houses change quickly into multi-tenant rentals. Many residents see a change like that in Hounslow. Hounslow faces house conversions that disturb its feel. Each new rental makes people ask how their street will change.
Resident Concerns: A Neighbourhood at a Crossroads
Richard Evans lives in Sunbury. He watches a house next to his two-bedroom cottage. That house may change into a six-bedroom share. Evans says, "They build these houses without proper checks, and we cannot stop it." His words show he fears too many people coming close. He also worries about antisocial acts in the area.
HMOs serve different groups. They house students, young workers, and people with low incomes. Evans asks, "How many people will fill the house next door? How many cars will park? How many bins will be needed?" His thoughts make many residents see weak planning for HMOs.
Local Council’s Inaction: A Community’s Dismay
Frustration grows at Spelthorne Borough Council. Neighbours watch HMOs multiply without clear control. Councillor Harry Boparai, with the Liberal Democrats, says HMOs break up neighbourly bonds. He points to Hounslow and calls it "an unrecognisable dump" because of too many house shares. His words make locals fear that Sunbury may soon change in the same way.
The council explains that HMO rules are complex. It says, "If an applicant proves they follow our requirements, a licence must be given." This rule leaves residents like Evans feeling stuck and alone.
The Economics of HMOs: Balancing Community Needs and Local Revenue
Economic views join the debate on HMOs. One landlord worries that more rules could hurt the local trade. He notes that many people need low-cost homes. He says, "There is a great number who seek affordable housing." His voice adds to the discussion on how to meet housing needs while keeping a safe community.
The Path Forward: Council Meetings and Community Voices
Spelthorne Borough Council will meet on January 8, 2025. The meeting will discuss possible limits on HMOs in Sunbury and nearby areas. Places like Staines North, Ashford North, and Stanwell already need planning checks when a house fits six people. The council must find a balance between controlling HMOs and meeting local needs.
Although only 22 formal complaints about HMOs were recorded between October 2023 and September 2024, many say the real effects are hard to count.
In Conclusion
HMOs in Surrey now stand at a key moment. Residents such as Richard Evans face the loss of the neighbourhood they know. The questions remain: How will local rules work with the need for homes and safe streets? The answer is not clear, but local voices watch the changes closely.
For further reading on HMO rules and community ties, please refer to the following sources:
These links give more details on the rules for HMOs and their effects on community life.
