Casework
Houses in Multiple Occupation
Balancing the need for affordable shared housing with protecting the character and quality of life in established Banbury neighbourhoods.
Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are crucial for meeting housing needs by providing relatively affordable accommodation for students, young professionals and key workers who may struggle to find owner-occupied or self-contained rented housing. The national government recognises HMOs' importance in the housing market and their potential to significantly increase supply.
While individual HMOs may not always have a noticeable impact on their immediate surroundings, the cumulative effect of a growing HMO concentration in a neighbourhood can be substantial. This is particularly evident in areas such as parking demand, residential amenities, community cohesion and overall character. Consequently, many local authorities have implemented planning policies and Article 4 Directions to manage HMO concentrations and foster balanced and sustainable communities.
Key concerns
The cumulative impact on communities
Parking and highway safety
Traditional family homes typically generate a predictable level of vehicle ownership whereas HMOs often house several unrelated adults with varied work patterns, social activities and transport needs. Even if some residents use public transport, cycling or walking, the sheer number of vehicles from multiple HMOs in a street can significantly increase on-street parking demand. This can lead to congestion, obstructive parking, reduced road safety and challenges for existing residents, visitors, service vehicles and emergency services.
Residential amenity
Shared housing often leads to higher levels of activity throughout the day and evening due to varied working hours and social habits. This results in more frequent movements in and out of properties, increased deliveries and greater use of outdoor spaces. While this activity is not inherently problematic, concentrated HMOs can collectively contribute to increased noise disturbance and a perception of reduced tranquillity in residential streets.
Waste storage and collection
Multiple-occupancy properties typically generate larger volumes of refuse and recycling than a single-family home. Without adequate storage facilities, bins can create visual clutter, obstruct footways and detract from street aesthetics. Government guidance recognises that the growth of HMOs can affect local communities where inadequate waste management arrangements lead to environmental and public health concerns.
Community balance and neighbourhood character
Excessive concentrations may reduce family housing availability, alter demographic composition and contribute to a more transient population. Some local authorities believe this can affect community cohesion, participation in local organisations and the stability of established residential areas. Planning guidance in several authorities emphasises the importance of maintaining mixed and balanced communities rather than allowing any single housing type to dominate.
Planning considerations
Balancing housing need with quality of life
Planning decisions should focus on practical considerations such as parking, highway safety, noise, waste management, overcrowding and impacts on residential amenities. Planning authorities must balance the need for affordable shared accommodation with protecting existing residents' quality of life.
HMOs remain vital to the housing market but their overall impact requires careful management. Excessive concentrations can strain parking, amenity, waste management and neighbourhood character, jeopardising sustainable residential communities. Effective planning policies, robust evidence and careful consideration of cumulative impacts are essential for achieving a fair balance between housing provision and preserving established neighbourhoods.
Concerned about HMOs in your street?
If you have concerns about a planning application or the cumulative impact of HMOs in your neighbourhood, get in touch.