Oxford City Council is to become the first authority in the country to enforce a controversial new planning regime which will force landlords to seek planning permission if they intend letting a small property to sharers. It has warned that planning consents will be strictly rationed as it bids to control HMOs.
This is great news if they can stop areas declining because of huge number sof HMO. Whilst some people argue that students bring in money, they also bring in huge problems. Areas where they congregate in large numbers become known for noise nuisance, parking problems and excessive levels of crime including burglary.
It is interesting to note though that the government has changed the LHA allowance for people up to under 35 now so this might lead to more sharing.