Residents in Bournemouth are being given four different options to tackle the problems caused by the “studentification” of some parts of the area. Currently around one in fourteen properties are used by students and Bournemouth Council are eager for residents to have their say on a range of possible solutions.
The four options are a result of residents’ complaining that the influx of students has changed the character of the area and led to an increase in unsightly properties, noise and antisocial behaviour in the early hours of the morning. Over the past two years, the council in Winton has seen a huge increase in complaints of noise nuisance associated with HMOs (homes in multiple occupation). The options being put to residents include introducing an additional licensing scheme for HMOs which would give the council powers to tackle rogue landlords.
However, it would introduce a new fee for landlords, who would probably pass this on to the student tenants. Another option is to introduce an accredited landlord scheme that is compulsory. At the moment the voluntary accreditation scheme has only managed to get 47 landlords to sign up. Landlords who sign up to accreditation schemes are usually expected to comply fully with all rules and regulations surrounding health and safety issues, property insurance and provide evidence they are fit and proper persons to let out property. Less than 50 coming forward to support a voluntary scheme is a big disappointment for local councillors.
The Winton Forum will hold a public meeting where residents can hear about the options and have their say. Forum Chair Anson Westbrook said: “This is the culmination of six years hard work by the forum. I cannot stress how important it is for everyone who has ever complained about antisocial behaviour or the changing face of Winton to attend this meeting, or at least complete the consultation form online. It’s also in the interests of students to improve the standard of HMOs in Winton and we want them to take part too. This is a great opportunity to improve things and it is so important that we take it.”