The number of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in the Midland Road area of Bedford must be restricted to avoid ‘destroying the social fabric’ of the community, according to Castle Ward Cllr David Fletcher.
HMOs are properties where 3 or more unrelated tenants share facilities such as a kitchen and bathroom, as well as older properties converted to self-contained flats. Property owners are able to convert houses into HMOs for between 3 – 6 separate individuals without the need for planning permission.
At a meeting of the Council’s Environment & Sustainable Communities Committee on the 1st March, Cllr Fletcher spoke of the community’s concern about an increase in the number of HMOs at the expense of family dwellings in Midland Road and its adjacent streets.
He received cross-party support recommending that the Mayor’s Executive review possible planning restrictions on HMOs, including an ‘Article 4’ direction requiring planning permission for HMO conversions.
Following the meeting, Cllr Fletcher said:
‘In recent years property owners in the Midland Road area have taken advantage of lax planning rules to convert homes to HMOs. This means we have an increasing supply of single-room units rented to individuals often for short periods of time and fewer properties for couples, families and elderly people. We recognise that there is a need for decent, affordable housing for young people, but it is our view that too many HMOs are destroying the social fabric of this part of town.
‘I am pleased to have received cross-party support for a review of HMOs that could see planning restrictions introduced. This is essential if we are to maintain a sense of community in Midland Road by providing a housing mix that caters for everyone.’