Concerns Grow Over Rise in Houses of Multiple Occupancy in Guildford

Introduction

A street in Guildford, Applegarth Avenue, has changed a great deal. Family homes now turn into Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs). The borough council approved these changes. Many locals now speak out over the loss of a tight-knit community.

The Changes on Applegarth Avenue

The planning committee approved four more HMOs. This move brings the total to 25, with two more plans waiting. HMOs now host students and young workers. In these homes, people share kitchens and living areas. Many find these homes affordable and flexible. Will, a long-time resident of 20 years, said, "It’s lost the heart of the street." He sees a shift from a family-focused area to one with renters who come and go.

Locals have seen fewer community events and less neighborly chat. They feel that the street now lacks the strong bonds it once had.

Residents Voice Their Concerns

Residents share their worry over the rapid rise in HMOs. Cllr Howard Smith from Westborough, speaking for Labour, said that the switch from three-bedroom family homes to HMOs is the main issue he hears about. He feels that this change has weakened community ties. Other councillors also noted that the current rules do not keep the number of HMOs in check.

Planning and Policy Responses

The existing rules need a house to be rented to five or more people for a HMO licence to come into play. This means that many properties might host multiple occupants even without a licence. If the pending plans pass, there could be 31 HMOs on the street. That would mean nearly 16% of the houses would become HMOs.

Parking is another worry. The approved properties have just a small number of parking spaces. Surrey Highways did not block the plans, but each property must have at least three parking spaces. The limited parking makes it hard for long-term residents.

The Political Landscape

Council leaders show mixed feelings. Cllr Julia McShane, the Liberal Democrat leader, said that they hear the concerns of local residents. She talked about problems like limited parking and cases of bad behavior that occur in many kinds of housing. The council has said it will review the rules about HMOs. A full council meeting on July 23 will focus on these issues. This meeting is part of a plan to find a way forward.

Conclusion

The increase in HMOs brings big talks over the loss of a family feel on Applegarth Avenue. The change from family homes to shared living spaces forces a relook at local housing rules. Balancing the need for affordable homes with the desire for a strong community remains a key challenge.

As the talk of housing shifts with the future plans for Guildford, all eyes are on how local officials will act.

For further reading on housing rules in the UK, please refer to:

• Guildford Borough Council Housing Strategy
• National Student Accommodation Survey National Student Accommodation
• The Guardian on Houses of Multiple Occupancy

By discussing the change to HMOs with care for both local life and housing needs, community groups and officials can work to narrow the gap between local worry and housing plans in Guildford.

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.