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Two new schemes to convert family homes into bedsits have been approved along a main road, sparking concerned about “policy failure.” Both new houses in multiple occupation, one with six bedrooms the other with four, have been approved along Tonge Moor Road and will be converted from former family homes. But the spread of shared houses like these all of Bolton in recent times has spared concern about the apparent lack of regulation and family homes being lost from the housing stock.
Bolton Council cabinet member for adults and housing Cllr Sean Fielding said: “There is a place for HMOs as part of the housing mix, but their deregulation has led to growth in numbers beyond that which we need. “This is also reflective of wider market and policy failure to provide the right mix of house types and tenures over decades. Bolton Council announced both plans were classed as permitted development (Image: Anthony Moss) “For example, lots of one bedroom council properties were demolished in the 2000s because we were told that’s not what people wanted.
“However, when the previous government introduced the bedroom tax smaller affordable properties were suddenly in demand again. “I’m glad Bolton Council has recognised that deregulation has not worked and is taking steps locally as well as calling for government intervention. “However, the real way to solve this problem is to build the homes we need in the places they’re needed, not just the ones developers want to build to make the most money.
” Applications for both new HMOs on Tonge Moor Road were made to Bolton Council over February. ALSO READ: Call to reverse 'horribly wrong' decision that let bedsits spring up all over Bolton ALSO READ: The reason why the number of HMOs is increasing rapidly in Bolton ALSO READ: 'Overcrowding' and 'strain' concerns about scheme to turn house into eight bed HMO Earlier this month, the council passed a motion calling on the government to reverse changes made in 2010 allowing HMOs for three to six people be set up without planning permission. This was after a recent place scrutiny meeting heard how the number of HMOs across Bolton had shot up from around 170 to more than 720 in recent years.
Bolton Council announced on Thursday March 13 that the plan for the six-bedroom HMO was classed as “permitted development” and so was allowed to go ahead. The authority announced the same for the four-bedroom shared house the same day..
