Express reporter Adam Toms has called on the Government to introduce more rules to control the conversion of houses into houses of multiple occupation (HMOs), after visiting Potters Bar where locals say their community is being transformed beyond recognition.
HMOs transforming UK towns
Toms, who lives in an HMO in south west London, argues that while HMOs are necessary for affordability, their placement needs to be more thought through. He says the sheer number of outsiders being moved into some areas is 'tearing places apart'.
In Potters Bar, a town just north of London, residents told Toms they feel helpless as properties are snapped up by developers after occupants sell up or die. One woman said she had been told her home was to be converted into accommodation for released prisoners, in a cul-de-sac with elderly and vulnerable locals.
Council housing and planning rules
An HMO occupant housed by Enfield Council told Toms he understands people's concerns but he and others are 'not doing any harm'. He added that locals should come and say hello, which Toms agreed would help reduce nervousness.
Figures from the Public Register of Licensed HMOs show there were 97 in Potters Bar as of December 3, making up 56% of the 173 in Hertsmere. Potters Bar's 22,000 people account for around 20% of the borough's overall population.
Toms believes more legislation is needed to limit how many HMOs can be approved in a particular area, alongside more genuinely affordable houses. He notes that Andy Burnham has promised to make it easier for people to buy homes, including the biggest council housebuilding programme since the post-war period.
