Does Mansfield really need all these HMOS?

RESIDENTS QUESTION DEMAND FOR MORE SHARED ACCOMMODATION

PEOPLE in Mansfield have questioned the need for more houses in multiple occupation (HMOS) in the area.

The most recent planning application to be approved was on Friday, to build a four-bedroom house for tenants.

A HMO is a building which has at least three unrelated people living there who share facilities such as the kitchen and bathroom.

A number of other planning applications are awaiting approval from Mansfield District Council, including a 20-bed and eight-bed HMO in Woodhouse Road and a nine-room HMO in Chesterfield Road, North Mansfield.

James Hodges, 57, from Warsop, said: “HMOS are popping up more and more everywhere, not just around here.

“People cannot afford properties like they used to and that’s just what it is.

“It’s really sad for young people. My daughter has been trying to buy a property in Chesterfield for a long time and I don’t think she would have more luck here if I am being honest.”

Another resident, Carl Matthews,

It is hard to see exactly what the appeal is for that around here

Carl Matthews

59, from Mansfield Woodhouse, said: “It does surprise me a little to hear that more HMOS are coming here.

“It is hard to see exactly what the appeal is for that around here. House prices are low and there are not as many jobs as the cities around us.”

But Jackie Stobart, a 43-year-old physiotherapist from Mansfield Woodhouse, said: “I don’t see HMOS being too much of an issue if I am being honest.

“If it brings workers in who want to rent and contribute locally then you cannot really complain.

“My only concern with it is what it means for people trying to buy family homes here to get started on the property ladder – it might make things more difficult.”

Plans have also been approved to demolish a building in Moor Street which currently has offices on the ground floor and build a new twostorey building with tenants on the first floor.

A planning document said: “A total of four parking spaces would be provided to the front and side of the new building to serve the proposed development.

“The site would provide an appropriate location for the proposed office and HMO, preserve the character and appearance of the area, provide an appropriate living environment for both existing and future occupiers and not have a detrimental impact on highway safety/ demand for parking in the area.”