York landlords vow to resist restriction plans for student lets

Proposals to restrict the growth of student lets and other houses of multiple occupation across York will be launched shortly – with landlords promising a campaign of “almighty resistance”.

City of York Council’s executive voted unanimously in February in favour of a city-wide “article 4” direction, which would require landlords to apply for planning permission if they want to convert a property into a house of multiple occupation (HMO) for between three and five people.

The change was strongly opposed by landlords, but called for by residents in Osbaldwick and Badger Hll, concerned about the soaring number of ordinary family homes being turned into HMOs for students from the University of York.

Mark Warters, chairman of Osbaldwick Parish Council, expressed “wholehearted support” for the proposals, which he said would bring the unregulated spread of HMOs under the control of the planning system.

The council said yesterday that 12 months’ notice of intention to introduce an article 4 direction would be published “soon”, after which a consultation would be launched.

“After the consultation stage, the responses will be considered by members and the direction will either be confirmed, if there are no material changes, or amended and subject to a re-consultation, if there are significant changes,” said a spokeswoman.

Niall McTurk, chairman of York Residential Landlords Association, warned the changes would be fiercely resisted by it and other organisations.

He complained the proposal was being published without any consultation whatsoever with interested parties.

He claimed the change would be “extremely damaging” and push up rents in existing HMOs, adversely affecting people on low incomes, students and an increasing number of people who were sharing properties.

“There will be almighty resistance to this during the consultation,” he said, adding the association’s solicitor was ready to launch a legal challenge, possibly in 12 months’ time, if the council was still pressing ahead with the changes.