Students and Landlords Protest Against Cap on HMOs

Students and landlords in Birmingham have come together to protest against plans by Birmingham City council to place a cap on the number of student properties in certain parts of the city. The council is using an Article 4 directive to

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demand that private rental properties in Selly Oak, Selly Park, and Harborne that are shared by three or more unrelated people must have planning permission before they can be let out as student rental accommodation.

Protest Petition
More than 1,300 students and landlords have signed a petition in protest. Representatives from the university’s Guild of Students say that placing a cap on the number of student HMOs in these three areas will simply shift the problem on to other parts of the city, in particular nearby Bournbrook, which is also within walking distance of the main university campuses. Dave Charles, speaking on behalf of the students, is concerned that Bournbrook will be turned into a student ghetto. He says:

“The lack of choice about where to live will make Bournbrook an overspill area for students as the area is the only other suitable option within walking distance of campus.”

Birmingham Council Disagrees
The council disagrees with protestors. They say that the cap is needed because residents in the affected areas are continually complaining about anti-social behaviour and rubbish dumped in the streets due to a high number of former family homes being occupied by groups of single people. The council feels that this is placing unacceptable pressure on the local services, the environment, and blighting the lives of permanent residents.