Students fight plans to limit number of shared properties close to university

STUDENTS at Hull University are fighting plans to restrict the number of students houses in the area.

Councillors are being asked to approve new “Article 4” directions in the Wyke and Northern wards of the city amid claims that Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are linked to increased complaints about noise and anti-social behaviour.

If the rules are approved at a meeting of the city council on September 19, landlords would require planning permission to divide a property into flats.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But Hull University Union (HUU) has launched a petition against the proposals, claiming they would drive students out of the traditional student community around the university and into areas of higher deprivation.

They also say it would harm businesses which rely on the student economy.

The vice-president welfare and community at HUU, Brittany Tomlinson, said: “The students in this city feel proud to call Hull home and the Students’ Union fosters a sense of community in our students from the moment they arrive on campus.

“It is disappointing that councillors are jeopardising the significant economic and cultural benefits that students bring to this area, and worrying to see that they are choosing to waste council resources on this politicised legislation, rather than investing in community cohesion projects.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Humber Landlords’ Association claims nearly 180 properties in the city already sit empty as a result of the proposals.

They claim the move is being made for the “wrong reasons”, and that it “succumbs to pressures and prejudices of a vocal minority against students”.

They also say the rules would affect the wider market and other young people and professionals looking to rent.

A report to councillors earlier this month said action taken by student unions and landlords to tackle waste last December were “very successful”, but had tailed off since.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The number of complaints about waste and noise had dropped, but are still “high” compared to areas with lower concentrations of shared properties.

Similar restrictions on shared homes were introduced in 11 wards in Leeds last year, mainly in student areas of the city including Hyde Park and Headingley.

If approved the changes would come into effect in October.