Glasgow wants to restrict where students can live
AFS Team·29 May 2013·3 min read

Glasgow City Council has launched a public consultation into houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) following a law change that gave planners the power to refuse permission for shared homes.
The new law, which came into effect in January 2012, allows councils to say no to a HMO if planners consider there are already too many in the area.
But the Private Rented Housing (Scotland) Act offers little guidance on how to implement the process.
The council now wants to gather views before drawing up a new policy on granting permission for HMOs. The new policy would include tenant safety, protection from poorly managed HMOs, targeting unlicensed HMOs and the scale and distribution of shared housing in the city.
Current policy at the council does state that an HMO needs planning permission, but licensing and planning officers work to different rules when coming to a decision. A new policy would create a more co-ordinated approach to protect tenants, improve the standard of housing and preserve the character of neighbourhoods.
A council spokesman explained that they are seeking the views of as many people as possible before the council forms any conclusions. Feedback from community councils, landlords, educational establishments, tenants and the emergency service are being sought.
New student flats in Talbot Village, Dorset, are the first student development in the town subject to new planning rules laid down by Poole Council.
Councillors have approved an Article 4 Direction, which removes permitted development rights for change of use from a family home to an HMO.
Branksome East councillor Jane Thomas supports the change, saying residents will have the opportunity to comment on planning applications.
Councillor Karen Rampton also welcomes the move, saying the change has been long-awaited by residents in Talbot Village.
Poole is now aligned with neighbouring Bournemouth, which is also restricting HMO applications.