Gloucester is experiencing growing frustration over delays to an important survey that could help stem the proliferation of bedsits across the city. The survey aims to provide conclusive evidence to Gloucester City Council that family homes are being transformed into houses in multiple occupation (HMO).
Houses are considered HMOs if at least three tenants live there, forming more than one household, and share toilet, bathroom, or kitchen facilities. While such homes are widespread across parts of Gloucester, it is an issue of particular concern in Kingsholm, where many family homes are being converted into HMOs, according to civic chiefs.
This conversion is currently permitted without the need for planning permission, as it falls under permitted development for six persons or less. However, once the survey is complete, the City Council will be empowered to require planning applications for converting such properties.
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Councillor Jeremy Hilton (LD, Kingsholm and Wotton) expressed his frustration on November 16, questioning council chiefs about the publication date of the housing stock survey. He stated, “This project has suffered from delay after delay from the Conservative administration. I was promised a report would be published at the end of the summer. It has now been delayed another two seasons. Will you apologize to me and my colleague Angela Conder, the residents of Kingsholm who are desperate to get an article four in place to help control the unwanted HMOs spreading everywhere and taking away family accommodation?”
Stephanie Chambers, the planning and housing strategy cabinet member (C, Quedgeley Fieldcourt), acknowledged the regrettable delay in reporting the results of the private sector stock condition survey. She informed that the results will be presented to the cabinet in March 2024, emphasizing that the council has policies in the local plan that will benefit the entire city and Kingsholm. She added, “As you are aware there are lots of other pressures within the housing team at the moment. If we can bring it out sooner we will.”