University has 66 HMO licence applications rejected
AFS Team·9 August 2013·3 min read
The issues are at the 1,163 room Murano Street Village complex in Glasgow’s West End.
The halls are managed by Glasgow University and Sanctuary Housing Association and opened in 1992.
When Glasgow City Council’s housing team and fire safety officers checked the complex they found serious safety problems, including:
• Burn marks on kitchen units next to cookers
• Kitchens clearly in use as sitting rooms
• Laundry room electrics showing signs of scorching
• Students cooking in bedrooms
• Fire doors in need of repair and wedged open
Safety officers inspected the halls in February, but no works had been carried out when they returned for a review in May.
The fire safety officers were told a completion date for the repairs was not available and told the council the work required was ‘substantial’.
Now, the university has applied for HMO licences for 65 other halls of residence. The council has refused them all and the university is appealing the decision and has promised to carry out any repairs needed.
The university has 28 days to appeal in writing, and the council has 10 days to reply. Meanwhile, the campus can stay open pending the results of the appeal.
A university spokesman said: "We are working to ensure student accommodation is of the highest possible standard and meets all the necessary standards for fire safety.
"Before the latest hearing of the licensing and regulatory committee, we had drawn up an action plan to tackle any unresolved fire safety issues.
"The university is disappointed the HMO license has not been renewed, but we are confident there are no unacceptable risks to students."
