Title: South Kesteven’s Third Attempt to Strengthen HMO Regulations Unsuccessful
In a recent council gathering, a proposal to impose stronger regulations on houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) in the South Kesteven district has been declined for the third time. This ongoing effort to introduce stricter measures is led by Conservative councillor Sue Woolley. Woolley believes there is a deficiency in the current rules and is campaigning for landlords to obtain planning consent before any property is converted to a HMO, regardless of the exact number of residents.
During an extraordinary meeting where the proposal was discussed, worries over the effects of HMOs on local communities were illuminated, with particular focus on the potential consequences of demographic changes. Woolley strongly asserted that the conversion of family homes into HMOs could lessen the demand for local schools, given the tendency for HMO occupants to be adults. Additionally, she questioned the lack of transparency if asylum seekers were to inhabit these dwellings unknowingly to the wider community.
Despite Woolley’s concerns, the proposal encountered opposition. Conservative councillor Matt Bailey argued that HMOs have intensified the ‘housing squeeze’ by transforming family homes into communal living spaces. Simultaneously, Independent councillor Phil Dilks voiced apprehensions over how the regulation changes might inadvertently affect groups of friends choosing to cohabitate, ultimately leading to supplementary expenses for the council.
The council’s planning committee, under the leadership of Charmaine Morgan, is currently conducting in-depth research into the implications of HMOs. The committee is due to present their findings by Christmas. Morgan underscored the necessity of basing decisions on solid evidence, insisting that thorough research is paramount in any change to the existing system.
As the council continues to wrestle with this challenging subject, the dialogue around HMOs remains a crucial topic for both residents and local authority figures.
This article was originally reported by the BBC and then adapted by The Lincoln Post.
