Concerns Rise Over HMO Developments in Surrey: Residents Fear Neighbouring Areas Will Follow Hounslow’s Path

Introduction

Residents in Sunbury, Surrey, grow worried about Houses of Multiple Occupation spread in their area. Many think the rise may bring problems seen in Hounslow. Their fear comes from a loss of close community ties, falling property values, and changes in the neighbourhood’s look.

Rising Anxiety Among Residents

One resident, Richard Evans, has lived in Sunbury for over twenty years. He learned the house next door will soon become a six-bedroom HMO. This news upsets him. He now plans to sell his home. “They build these types of houses without planning rules, and we cannot act,” he said. Changing a two-bedroom semi-detached cottage into a six-person home worries him. He sees risks in noise, parking issues, and rowdy behaviour.

HMOs usually host students, young workers, and people with low incomes who share spaces and expenses. However, many locals fear a loss of community bonds and a decline in who controls their area.

Regulatory Challenges and Community Impacts

The law lets owners convert a property into an HMO without extra planning if the house holds up to six people. This rule has led to many quick changes in parts of Surrey. Spelthorne Borough Council notes about 150 HMOs have licenses, while many more operate without one.

Richard Evans feels local officials do not act enough to manage these changes. He said, “There’s no check on who lives in these houses.” Many people in the area think alike.

Councillor Harry Boparai speaks out on the need for firmer rules. His view shows Hounslow now struggles with problems from many shared houses. “HMOs hurt communities while mostly serving the interests of rich property owners,” he stated.

Distinct Views on Housing Diversity and Economic Impact

Some do not see HMOs as a threat. Some landlords oppose more limits. One landlord noted that more rules could make life harder for people on modest incomes who need low-cost homes.

Spelthorne Borough Council will review these matters at their Planning Committee meeting on January 8, 2025. The debate on balancing community needs and various housing types is set to grow. Some areas already must get planning permission for HMOs, yet clear proof of widespread worry remains thin.

Conclusion

The spread of HMOs in Surrey has stirred debate among residents, property investors, and policy makers. While some risk losing community bonds and a familiar neighbourhood feel, others trust in a range of housing types to keep the area affordable. As talks continue, finding a balance between saving the community style and providing low-cost homes is a tough task for Spelthorne Borough Council.

Residents like Richard Evans hope for a plan that listens to their worry while keeping in mind the local economy as a whole.

Sources:

• Surrey Live: Neighbours scared Surrey street will ‘go the same way as Hounslow’ because of rise of HMO house shares
• Spelthorne Borough Council Reports on HMO Licensing Spelthorne Homepage
• UK Government Guidelines on HMOs Gov.uk