Neighbours Concerned as HMO Development Breaches Unanimous Community Bonds in Surrey
Residents in Sunbury, Surrey, fear that rising Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) weaken the close ties they share. They see a trend from nearby Hounslow and worry their community might follow. One long-term resident, after twenty years in his home, now thinks of selling when a two-bedroom cottage on Vicarage Road is set to change into a six-person HMO.
What Are HMOs and Why Are They Controversial?
HMOs are houses where people from different households share key spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms. They often serve students, young workers, and people with lower incomes, as sharing keeps rent low. Yet sharing may also bring risks to community safety and peace. Some locals point out that more shared spaces often bring more noise and crowding.
Richard Evans, age 60, has lived here many years. He voices a heavy worry as plans move ahead. “They build without proper planning permission, and we feel helpless,” he says. He thinks more tenants will make parking hard and create extra waste and noise in the area.
The Regulatory Landscape
HMOs with five or more people need a special licence when residents come from two or more households. A property must get planning permission only when it holds six or more residents. Spelthorne Borough Council now accepts licence requests only if the applicant meets strict health and safety rules. At the moment, about 150 HMOs have licences. Another 70 work without them.
Many residents feel that these rules do not protect their community. Councillor Harry Boparai says unregulated HMOs risk the welfare of the community. He warns that these homes favor some landlords who own many properties. He points to Hounslow where more shared homes have led to a rise in unwanted behavior.
Local Residents Unite in Opposition
Residents in Sunbury worry that growing HMOs can break the bonds they have built over the years. Richard Evans and his sister stress that new residents might not connect in the same close way. “We will lose the sense of community we have,” his sister says. For many, the ties between neighbours are hard to replace with strangers.
Most locals feel frustrated with Spelthorne Borough Council. They see the council as slow to act on HMO developments. While some call for tighter rules, one local landlord worries that more control can cut affordable housing.
Moving Forward: Council Considerations
Almost 2% of planning enforcement complaints in Spelthorne come from HMO issues. The Council plans a review at a Planning Committee meeting on January 8, 2025. Many residents now wait to see if new policies will limit unplanned HMO growth. Nearby wards like Staines North and Ashford North already use Article 4 rules to keep this in check.
The community now treads a fine line between maintaining a peaceful neighbourhood and keeping homes affordable.
Conclusion
The HMO situation in Surrey shows a modern challenge. The need for low-cost living meets the desire for a stable community. With changes to rules possible soon, both residents and landlords watch closely to see what happens next in Sunbury and other areas.
As events unfold, the conflict between a steady community and affordable living continues to spark debate.
Sources:
- Surrey Live: Neighbours scared Surrey street will ‘go the same way as Hounslow’
- Spelthorne Borough Council – HMOs
- London Borough of Hounslow News
- Community Cohesion and HMOs – Housing Studies
Studying the rise of HMOs, especially in Surrey, can help property investors understand current housing trends and local views, making it possible to make clear choices in a changing market.
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.
