In recent times, the landscape and character of many roads in Guildford have been significantly altered due to the increasing number of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). This issue has garnered substantial attention from residents, particularly in areas like Applegarth Avenue, where the transformation is most evident. Paul Handley, a long-term resident, sheds light on this growing concern.

Understanding the Issue

The necessity for accommodations catering to young professionals, especially those working near the Research Park, Hospital, and University, is undeniable. However, the real conflict arises not from the existence of HMOs themselves but from their cumulative impact. Individually, each HMO application may adhere strictly to planning regulations and appear harmless. Collectively, over time, they drastically change the residential landscape, depleting much-needed three-bedroom family homes from the market.

This trend is evident in the history of planning applications specific to Nos 85-87 in Applegarth Avenue. Initially family homes, these properties were transformed into HMOs after being acquired by developers. The presence of larger-than-average gardens, due to the road's curvature away from the railway embankment, made these properties appealing for further development.

The Transformation Over Time

Source: https://guildford-dragon.com/letter-cumulative-affect-of-hmos-does-change-a-roads-character/

Since 2016, several planning applications for these properties have been submitted, some of which faced objections and were refused, even upon appeal. However, persistent applications eventually led to the approval of multiple "dwellings." As a result, what once were two family homes have now become four separate HMOs, catering to 23 young professionals, according to the developer's website.

The situation does not end there. The adjoining No. 89 has been acquired by the same developer, with plans to extend it into an independent dwelling. Further applications have been made for additional dwellings on the land behind Nos 87 and 89, purportedly for family use. Historical patterns, however, suggest these too will likely become HMOs, further exacerbating the issue.

Impact on Community and Future Developments

Currently, around the green space from Nos 81 to 99, there exist seven HMOs, with the potential for another four, far exceeding the 16% density figure mentioned in previous discussions. This concentration significantly impacts the neighborhood's character, creating a quasi-rental community rather than a balanced mix of family homes and rented accommodations.

The planning system, as it stands, struggles to address the broader implications of such piecemeal developments. While individual applications might be technically sound, their cumulative effect presents a glaring issue that the current planning framework seems ill-equipped to manage effectively.

A Call for Comprehensive Planning Reviews

There is a growing call among residents for a more holistic approach in reviewing and approving HMO applications. It is crucial to consider the broader neighborhood impact rather than isolated cases. A review report on the licensing of HMOs, expected to be presented to the Planning Committee, is highly anticipated. Residents hope this will lead to more balanced and sustainable planning practices that preserve the character and integrity of Guildford’s neighborhoods.

As echoed in the words of the old Joni Mitchell song, "you don’t know what you got 'til it’s gone," it is imperative for planning authorities to recognise and mitigate the gradual erosion of community character before it is irretrievably lost.