Councils bid to stop ‘studentification’ of towns

Homeowners and landlords aiming to capitalise on Shrewbury’s growing student population are being urged to get planning advice before letting their properties.

Although current law allows family homes to be adapted for small Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) without planning permission under Permitted Development rules, a number of local authorities have introduced new measures requiring planning permission for this change of use to reduce the ‘studentification’ of residential areas.

Solicitor Mark Turner, a planning specialist with Shropshire law firm FBC Manby Bowdler, said more than 30 local authorities in university cities have introduced the rules to increase control over the number of private houses used as small HMOs occupied by up to six people.

He explained: “Councils including those in Wolverhampton, Bath, Manchester and Bristol have used Article 4 directions to remove permitted development rights in certain areas so that anyone wanting to convert a family house to a HMO would need planning permission for the change of use.

“For residential landlords, this means that they may need to get planning permission if they are proposing to rent their private houses out to a group of up to six unrelated people.

“It’s a controversial move because some consider students and young professionals to be valuable to the local economy because they use the shops, pubs, takeaways, cafes and restaurants for instance. However, others dislike the anti social behaviour, which can be associated with these groups, particularly students.”

Mark said it might be an issue that comes to the fore in Shrewsbury as the number of university students rises.

“Following the opening of the University Centre Shrewsbury, and with student numbers expected to grow by around 2,500 in the next three to five years this could become an issue in Shrewsbury quite quickly where property is already in high demand.

“It remains to be seen whether Shropshire Council will consider it necessary to introduce the measure in order to control the conversion of family dwellings into small HMOs in the town. If it does, then planning permission will be needed and anyone considering this move should take legal advice from an expert in planning law.”