Agenda item

Mr Neal addressed Cabinet on Item 6 – Confirmation of Proposed Article 4 Directions re Houses in Multiple Occupation (HIMO’s). He stated that he had concerns that properties in his area were being purchased by landlords whose sole intentions would be to make as much money as possible through converting properties into HIMO’s with little regard for local residents. He commented that a number of HIMO’s had detrimental affects on the local area having witnessed an increase in Anti-Social Behaviour, increased parking problems and rubbish being left out in the street. Mr Neal commented that he was of the opinion that a number of HIMO landlords had little or no intention of enhancing the local area at a cost to local residents.

Mrs McMurdie also addressed Cabinet on Item 6 - Confirmation of Proposed Article 4 Directions re Houses in Multiple Occupation (HIMO’s). She concurred with the comments made by Mr Neal and further added that there was a strong case for the reinforcement of the directive as self regulation had not worked and the detrimental affect that HIMO’s had made should be noted. Without the directive any measures to resolve problems experienced had been drawn out and long winded. She also commented that with the increase in tuition fees, there would be less of a need for student housing (who often resided in HIMO’s) and there would be less of a demand for HIMO’s near Northampton University.

Mrs Crake addressed Cabinet on Item 6 - Confirmation of Proposed Article 4 Directions re Houses in Multiple Occupation (HIMO’s). She reported that she favoured the recommendations within the report and commented that if agreed it would be beneficial not only to Sunnyside residents but for Northampton as a whole. She expressed her concern at the expansion of HIMO’s close to the University and commented that residents wanted to maintain the pleasant character of the area.

Mrs Barnes addressed Cabinet on Item 6 - Confirmation of Proposed Article 4 Directions re Houses in Multiple Occupation (HIMO’s). She reported that she had lived in the area for 20 years and that she had hoped to remain there for her senior years. However, since being confronted by HIMO’s she had seen an increase in noise, fighting and rubbish left out on the street, which had resulted in her contacting the Council on order to complain. She reported that the prospect of more HIMO’s in the area was very distressing and upsetting.

Mr Shaw addressed Cabinet on Item 6 - Confirmation of Proposed Article 4 Directions re Houses in Multiple Occupation (HIMO’s). He reported that he had spoken to one of the HIMO landlords who had informed him that the students in the property had been vetted. However, he had experienced increased Anti-Social Behaviour, fights amongst students and rubbish left out on the street. He suggested that the Council produce a series of contact numbers for residents relating to problems incurred by HIMO’s and further commented that the cost of clearing up the excess rubbish should be imposed on the HIMO landlords and not other residents.

Mr Birch addressed Cabinet on Item 7 – Community Centres – Management Organisation Appointments. He commented that he welcomed the report and its recommendations and reported that as a member of Alliston Garden Youth and Community Centre much care and consideration had been put into Community Centres. He expressed his pleasure at the prospect of working alongside the Council and local residents and commented that improvements would not be immediate and would take time but that there was a commitment to working in partnership and exploring more autonomous practices which would manage and delivered community services.