The number of ‘large’ HMOs (houses in multiple occupancy) in Filton has nearly doubled since 2021, a rise of 86% – new figures show.
A Filtonvoice report in 2021 revealed there were 171 HMOs of five bedrooms or above, a figure which has risen to 316 now. HMOs are typically family homes which have been extended to create up to 11 bedrooms for several people in the one home.
Click here to view map of licensed HMOs in Filton – official figures published up to May
Filton has the largest number of HMOs in South Gloucestershire – 42%, largely due to the proximity to the University of the West of England, SGS College and several large employers. There are 239 HMOs in neighbouring Stoke Gifford, meaning the two areas combined account for 75% of large HMOs in the council area.
The figures do not account for many more smaller three and four-bedroom HMOs which currently do not need to be registered.
Since the figures were released, in the last month there have been new applications for HMOs for up to eight bedrooms in Braemar Crescent (8), Filton Avenue (6), Filton Avenue (5), Mayville Avenue (7) and Elm Park (7).
Some residents say the rise in numbers of HMOs, some of which have up to 11 bedrooms, has caused issues with parking, rubbish collection and loss of community. There have also been claims that the conversion of small homes into large, extended HMOs means young families are being squeezed out of the housing market as the availability of ‘normal’ sized homes declines.
Others say HMOs are needed to house students and people who are unable to get on the housing ladder due to the difficulty of raising a big enough deposit.
Since the report in 2021, South Glos has brought in ‘Article 4’ rules, meaning large HMOs need planning permission, giving residents the chance to raise concerns.
Article 4 was brought in during 2022 but technicalities caused a delay and it was finally put in place at the end of 2023. However since January 1 this year, the numbers show no signs of slowing down with 56 new licences issued up to April this year.
Now councillors say they are investigating expanding the scope of Article 4 to mean four-bed HMOs would also require planning permission.
South Gloucestershire Labour councillors say they want to reassure residents in Filton that action is being taken to address concerns around HMOs in the ward.
A spokesperson said: “Residents have raised issues around parking, waste, and the living conditions inside some HMOs.
Cllr Adam Monk and Cllr Alex Doyle, the Labour members for Filton, are spearheading the following actions:
Reviewing whether it’s possible to lower the occupancy threshold for HMO licensing (in other words, the number of bedrooms allowed before a license is required). If this is possible, it would mean an increase of HMO licenses, which would in turn mean the Article 4 directive – which restricts HMOs – can be applied more effectively.
Investigating what other HMO licensing conditions are available to South Gloucestershire Council to impose on landlords, to ensure properties are of a high quality and well maintained.
Conducting walkarounds with council officers to show areas of fly tipping on private property. Officers are now exploring what enforcement actions are available to tackle the waste.
Asking the Private Housing Team at the Council to ensure claimed off street parking spaces are available to residents.
Ensuring the Waste Management Team visits households where residents have raised concerns about waste presentation, so they can provide guidance and education.
Requesting that the Council’s Scrutiny Commission sets up a Task & Finish Group looking at waste issues within and around rental properties.
The spokesperson added: “Part of the reason why we’re seeing an increase of HMOs is the housing crisis – the lack of affordable homes for local people to rent or buy. The new government are making tackling this a priority and there is currently a national consultation on potential planning reforms.
“South Gloucestershire Council and local councillors are responding to this and – along with our wider contribution – will include comments around the challenges faced locally around change of use. We encourage residents to participate too.”
Cllr Monk said: “The situation with HMOs in Filton continues to be a challenge. I’m proud to live here and this is something I’m committed to tackling, but I need residents to work with me.
“I ask for patience as I work with council officers and other stakeholders to make the situation better. Things will not turn round overnight, but with the right things in place, they will improve.
“One thing I do want to say is that we must not demonise people living in HMOs. Everyone deserves an affordable, safe, good quality place to live. This work is about making Filton an even better place to live, and ensuring that the living standards inside HMOs are what we would all like and expect.”
Recently elected Filton and Bradley Stoke MP Claire Hazelgrove said: “We are facing a housing crisis, with too few homes available for local people to rent or buy – including affordable homes and appropriate student accommodation. As a result, some local people are being pushed out of the area they love or into renting single bedrooms in shared properties for longer and later in life.
“I know that local residents are – understandably – concerned about a change in community character and strain on public services with HMOs – as am I. They have successfully pushed for new regulations on converting single use houses to HMOs, which have come in this year, and are exploring further options locally. I am supportive of this.
“The increase in HMOs is however a symptom of the lack of homes that local people need, so we need to tackle the housing crisis otherwise this will persist. Our new Labour Government is committed to seeing the 1.5 million more high quality, sustainable and affordable homes we need built nationally, alongside the infrastructure and green spaces that support people and places to thrive. My very first question in Parliament was on this – as getting that balance right is vital as we start to tackle the housing crisis.”