Busy Derby Street Losing Its Character Amid Housing Row Concerns

Derby: Residents in Alvaston are feeling the pinch as their street changes. Brighton Road is becoming a hotspot for Houses of Multiple Occupation, or HMOs.

More than a year ago, 140 locals signed a petition. They wanted Derby City Council to step in and stop the rise of HMOs. They feel these changes are tearing apart their community.

HMOs are homes shared by several households. The council even looked into the issues caused by too many of them in one area.

In recent years, several family homes on Brighton Road have been converted into HMOs. Residents are worried that this trend is “ripping out the heart of the community.”

Despite the concerns, developers are still pushing for more HMOs. A recent application was submitted to change a property into an HMO for up to six people without needing planning permission.

The city council approved this application, saying it fits within their planning rules. This decision comes just before new regulations on HMOs are set to take effect in May.

The new rules aim to give the council more power to manage HMOs. Residents are hopeful this will help their situation. One local even said, “It’s going to be called HMO Road soon rather than Brighton Road.”

Parking issues are a big concern too. Residents fear emergency services won’t be able to reach them due to congestion.

Councillor Alan Graves expressed frustration. He believes developers are rushing to get their applications in before the new rules kick in.

He pointed out that many homes are being converted into HMOs, which is a problem that’s been around for years.

The council acknowledged a slight uptick in applications since announcing tougher regulations. They’re working hard to address the issues and gather evidence to support the new rules.

The transition to these new regulations is ongoing, and they’re set to take effect on May 3, 2025. Residents are hoping for a positive change soon.