Resident Considers Selling Home Amid HMO Development Concerns in Surrey
Growing Concerns Over Neighbouring House of Multiple Occupation
A resident from Sunbury, Surrey, faces a hard choice. He may sell his home of twenty years next door to a new development. The plan is to change the house into a six-person House of Multiple Occupation (HMO). Richard Evans, 60, feels stress that touches his mind and worries his community.
A House of Multiple Occupation means a home holds people from several separate households. They share a kitchen and a bathroom. Many students, young workers, and low-income residents now live this way because it costs less than renting a whole house. The increase in these homes brings problems for longtime residents.
Developer’s Plans Spark Alarm
Richard Evans got a letter about the change. The letter tells him that the house beside him will turn into a six-bedroom HMO. He feels the weight of a lost voice. "They build these things and no one can stop them," he says. Residents feel small as buildings change their villages and suburbs.
Rules say an HMO license is needed for homes that share space among five or more people from different households. A separate building plan is only required when more than six people share a home. The rules leave Evans worried about issues like antisocial behaviour.
"How many people will stay there? How many cars will park? How many bins will fill?" he asks. His fear grows when the builder plans to change a two-bedroom semi-detached house. The plan is to widen the home by changing rooms and adding an extension that takes over the garage space.
Legal Concerns and Community Impact
Evans met with the developer’s team to sign a legal agreement on property rights before work begins. He doubts that the deal will guard his home from problems during the work, especially when the new neighbours remain unknown.
He also wonders about future tenants. "They might be ex-prisoners or people here without papers. They could be anyone," he says. His sister shares his worry. She fears the community bond will break, saying, "We all know each other here. With an HMO, we might not know who lives right next door."
Local Governance and Community View
Local officials have taken note of these plans. Councillor Harry Boparai backs tighter rules on HMOs. He feels these changes break down neighbourhoods and serve the interests of wealthy landlords. He points to changes in Hounslow as a warning for Sunbury.
Boparai says more HMOs bring noise, illegal dumping, and antisocial acts. His words match Richard’s feelings. Richard believes that the Spelthorne Borough Council ignores his worries over the change next door.
Limited Oversight on HMO Rules
Right now, Spelthorne has nearly 150 licensed HMOs. About 70 more exist without licenses. In Sunbury Common there are 17 licensed HMOs, and perhaps four unlicensed ones. Councillor Boparai notes that wards like Staines North and Ashford North now require planning permission for small house shares. Yet, wider restrictions are still missing as few formal complaints arise.
Until more signs show the need for a broader rule, many residents feel alone in their worry. One landlord fears that strict rules may harm the local area, especially for people with lower incomes. He points out that HMOs give needed homes to low earners.
Looking Forward
A Planning Committee meeting is set for January 8, 2025. The council is set to think about more rules on HMOs. Richard Evans and his sister fear that these changes could hurt Spelthorne. They worry the place will lose the warmth of home and the quality of life they have known for years.
Conclusion
Community worries over turning the neighbour’s house into an HMO show the strain in housing today. Towns like Sunbury try to keep their small charm while meeting the need for affordable homes. As the community waits for the council to act, Richard Evans’s story shows residents pressed by changes in their own backyards.
