Houses of Multiple Occupation: A Growing Concern in Greater Manchester
Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) spread across Greater Manchester and stir worry. Residents and officials voice their concerns. HMOs give a cheaper way to live as rents soar. They change areas made up of family homes.
The Rise of HMOs
Recent years show a sharp rise in HMOs in Greater Manchester. In Bolton, numbers grew from about 170 to over 720 in a few years. Reports shared at a council meeting show this jump. A shortage of council housing pushes this change. A homelessness problem adds to the pressure. Salford Mayor Paul Dennett points to the lack of social housing. In Ordsall, HMOs grew from three in 2017 to 437 by 2023. ### Community Concerns
Some local groups and council members now speak out. They say that new HMOs change how a neighbourhood feels. Councillor Sean Fielding in Breightmet fears packed living spaces will cut healthy community links. Neighbors talk about a street once full of family homes. One resident says that the street, once known as one of the nicest, now hosts short-term renters.
A group called “Say No To HMO Horwich” works to slow HMO growth. Their petition asks that family homes stay in communities. They claim that current rules favor HMOs and harm local services and connections.
Call for Regulation
Bolton Council now asks the government to guide the small HMO growth. They want to bring back a rule from 2010. In that rule, planning permission was needed for six or fewer tenants. This change could help local services and keep homes balanced.
The council’s new plan sets a clear rule. If new HMOs push the total past 10% of houses in a 100-metre area, approval is unlikely. This rule aims to keep a healthy mix of living options and calm community fears.
The Balance of Needs
Supporters say HMOs meet a need for affordable living. Students, young workers, and low-income people find it hard to pay full rent. HMOs let tenants share costs and living space. Landlords like HMOs because they rarely sit empty and give steady rent. They see HMOs as a practical fix for housing tension.
Conclusion
HMOs shape the look and feel of Greater Manchester. The challenge is to give affordable homes while keeping neighbourhood charm. With calls for more rules and growing worry among residents, the future of HMOs may depend on finding a middle path.
For investors and those eyeing property work with HMO projects, knowing the current scene and pending rules is key. Talk with local councils, follow community views, and update plans as needed.
Sources
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.
