Residents Raise Concerns Over New HMO Applications in Guildford
By Emily Dalton, Local Democracy Reporter
Residents of Applegarth Avenue in Guildford share deep concern. The council approved plans that change family homes into houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). Local applications passed on 17 July. The change may shift the look and feel of the neighbourhood.
Growing Number of HMOs
The quiet street sits close to the Royal Surrey County Hospital. It now holds 25 registered HMOs and has two more cases waiting. Many long-time residents feel the community is losing its heart. They see a change from single-family life to shared living. The shift risks breaking the bonds that tie neighbours together.
One resident, a father of four who has lived on Applegarth Avenue for 20 years, says, “It has lost the heart of the street. It used to be full of families, but now it’s just people who leave to go to work and come back again. Only one person says ‘hi’.” His words show the growing dislike for the change.
Councillor Concerns
Ward councillor Howard Smith spoke at a recent meeting. He called the rise in new HMOs the top local issue. His words bring out the pain long-time residents feel. He said, “People are getting really tired of three-bedroom family homes being put up for sale and turned into HMOs.” He warns that as more homes turn into shared living, the area may lose its family shape. He asks if this will break the close bond between neighbours.
Impact on Community Services
Guildford Borough Council leader Julia McShane noted that HMOs can affect the area. She asked residents to report issues such as parking troubles and acts against community rules. She pointed out that these problems appear in other parts of Guildford too. As houses shift to shared living, some residents wonder how to stop the loss of a warm community feel. Debates continue over the right balance between meeting housing needs for students and young workers and keeping the local character.
Conclusion
The number of HMOs on Applegarth Avenue keeps growing. Local residents now voice their worry about a changing community feel. People who watch these shifts know they matter for both current owners and future investors. Finding a balance that meets housing needs while keeping neighbourly ties strong is a hard task for both local leaders and residents.
For investors, handling HMOs comes with new challenges and chances. Watching local views and talking with residents can help guide future plans.
For more information, you can refer to the following sources:
- Guildford Borough Council Local Housing Policies
- BBC News Houses in Multiple Occupation
- The Guardian Community Perspectives on HMO Transformations
As housing shifts, knowing how HMOs work will help with sound investment choices and keeping community ties strong.
