Residents near Ulster University’s Magee campus in Derry are raising alarms over a significant increase in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in their neighbourhood. The local group, Concerned Residents Around Magee (CRAM), is advocating for the Derry City and Strabane District Council to impose a cap on the number of HMOs, expressing fears that the rising trend mirrors the problematic HMO situation seen in Belfast’s Holylands area. With a plan to expand student enrollment at Magee to 10,000 by 2032, the demand for housing—both in private rentals and dedicated student accommodations—is expected to surge. A representative from the local council confirmed that new planning policies are on the horizon to better manage HMO developments. Residents, like Kathleen Feeney, have reported troubling changes in their communities, including reduced family demographics, increased noise, and heightened traffic congestion attributed to the growing prevalence of HMOs. Current records indicate that Derry has registered 212 HMOs, prompting concern among long-time inhabitants regarding their future in the changing landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Residents near Ulster University’s Magee campus are alarmed by the growing number of HMOs, fearing negative impacts similar to Belfast’s Holylands.
- Concerned Residents Around Magee (CRAM) is pushing for a cap on HMOs to maintain neighborhood stability amid rising student enrollment.
- Local authorities are responding by developing new planning policies to better manage HMO proposals in Derry.
Concerns Raised by Residents Over Local HMO Surge
Residents surrounding Ulster University’s Magee campus in Derry are voicing their apprehensions regarding the rising number of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in their neighborhood. This surge has raised fears among local residents that the area could face challenges similar to those observed in Belfast’s notorious Holylands area. The group known as Concerned Residents Around Magee (CRAM) is actively advocating for a cap on the number of HMOs in their locality. They argue that these properties are increasingly concentrated near the university, contrasting starkly with their distribution across other parts of the city. These concerns come in light of a recent report outlining plans to boost the student enrollment at Magee to 10,000 by the year 2032, an initiative aimed at addressing regional inequalities but which also necessitates an expansion of both private rental and purpose-built student accommodation.
A government spokesperson acknowledged the situation, stating that new planning policies are in development, designed to better regulate HMO proposals to balance the needs of both residents and students. Kathleen Feeney, a local resident, shared her experiences of the changing dynamics within her neighborhood, citing a noticeable decline in family presence alongside increasing noise levels and traffic congestion attributed to the proliferation of HMOs. Feeney conveyed her distress, expressing that she may consider relocating if HMOs continue to dominate the streets she calls home. Current statistics highlight that there are already 212 HMO properties registered in Derry, intensifying the urgency of resident concerns.
Response and Future Plans from Local Authorities
In response to the growing unrest among residents, local authorities have initiated a series of consultations to gather feedback on the future development of housing policies in Derry. Council meetings are being held to address the issues raised by CRAM and other community groups, focusing on finding a balanced solution that accommodates student needs without compromising the quality of life for existing residents. Furthermore, the council has committed to increase awareness about HMO regulations and is exploring different zoning methods to maintain neighborhood integrity. Recent statements from the council emphasize their intent to engage with stakeholders and potentially establish measures that limit the proliferation of HMOs in heavily impacted areas.
Additionally, the push for proper regulatory mechanisms comes amidst the backdrop of the planned expansion of Magee campus. Stakeholders are keen to ensure that the expansion does not lead to the dilution of community life, striking a chord with residents’ sentiments. By integrating community input into the planning framework, the council aims to develop housing strategies that reflect both the needs of students and the preferences of long-standing residents. As urban density and student accommodation demands rise, local authorities are balancing modernization with traditional community values, seeking sustainable solutions to prevent future disputes and preserve the unique character of Derry (Department for Communities, 2024; Derry City and Strabane District Council, 2024).
As this situation unfolds, ongoing dialogues between the council, residents, and educational institutions will be critical in shaping a harmonious living environment that respects the diverse needs of Derry’s communities.
Feel free to contact us via WhatsApp, social media, or email.
Always find the best rooms to rent & HMOs for sale in the UK at HMO Reporter.
