Concerns Rise Over New HMOs in Guildford: A Potential Shift in Community Dynamics

Introduction

The Guildford Borough Council made a decision. Its plan changes family homes into HMOs along Applegarth Avenue. This choice brings worry to local people. They quickly see a street that once held many families now hosting short-term residents. The discussion joins a larger talk about shared housing for students and young workers.

The Approval of New HMOs

On 17 July 2024, the council gave the go-ahead for four HMO plans. These plans stand on Applegarth Avenue near the Royal Surrey County Hospital. In this area, 25 HMOs are already in use, while two more plans wait for a go-ahead. The council’s choice makes people react in many ways; some neighbors push back against the change.

Resident Concerns

A father of four, who has lived on the street for 20 years, said, "It has lost the heart of the street." He sees that the place, once full of family life, now shows many residents who come and leave. He hears only one person greet him with "hi" each day. At a council meeting, Ward Councillor Howard Smith told the room that turning family homes into rentals for students and young workers is his top worry. He said, "People are getting really tired of three-bedroom homes turning into HMOs." His words show that many fear a deep change in their community.

Council’s Response

Guildford Borough Council Leader Julia McShane spoke up about the rise in issues like parking and odd behavior. She asked local people to report when problems occur. She urged the community to work together on these matters. Still, many feel that the changing neighborhood does not have enough support.

The HMO Landscape

HMOs are homes where three or more people from different households share spaces. In these homes, kitchens and bathrooms serve several people. Such houses are common in towns, especially near colleges and work centers, because they give a low-cost housing choice for students and young workers. Yet long-term residents see shared housing as a loss of a close community and fear added strain on local supplies.

The case in Guildford is much like that in many towns in the UK. The mix of student homes and family residences keeps this issue in the public eye. Some investors in HMOs may want to think about both the money benefits and the strong feelings in the community.

Conclusion

This talk about changing homes into HMOs on Applegarth Avenue shows a clear warning for the community. With more plans approved, a big change appears near. Those who wish to invest in HMOs need to stay clear, make good notes, and keep in touch with local feelings. It is important to see both the money promise and the social cost in this fast change.

Sources

• BBC News: Guildford Resident Concerns Over HMOs
• Guildford Borough Council: HMO Policies and Guidelines
• UK House of Commons: Impact of HMOs in Local Communities
• Local Democracy Reporting Service: Exploring Community Changes

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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.