I have been made aware that the Ladder appears to be in the midst of something of an renewed onslaught by developers who are turning houses into multiple occupation properties.
What's the Problem?
All local communities, as communities, want to be sustainable. A key factor in a population’s ability to be sustainable is its willingness and ability to sustain that community. This means a longer-term commitment to an area. HMOs are usually associated with transience. Transient populations are far less likely to have regard to the longer term well-being of an area.
There are also more immediate effects usually experienced by residents live around HMOs. Many of the HMOs in Harringay are established without planning permission and licensing. This often means poor conditions. This in itself is undesirable. In some instances it also means that houses become occupied with groups of people who are far from model neighbours.
An HMO in Warham Road recently hit the headlines when its owner was in court facing charges of running a brothel with women kept as prostitutes against their will. Another HMO became a hangout for local and West End pickpockets. Not every HMO will suffer this fate, but enough do for residents to become uncomfortable.
What's the Solution?
The LCSP are working against the situation. In July last year they produced a blueprint for the council to tackle the issue. However on the ground there are constraints arising from the law and the willingness or ability of Haringey Council to impose and enforce action.
What can you Do?
You should stay aware of what's happening in your street. Sudden intense building activity, sometimes preceded by apparently innocuous planning applications can mean conversion work is going on. This can be reported to Haringey's Planning Enforcement Department at 0208 489 5123/8236. You may well need to keep on top of a case once reported.
Tags for Forum Posts: Wightman Road, hmos, housing, ladder, planning
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