Bath & North East Somerset council has just produced a new local plan that aims to prevent the loss of three-bedroom family homes in Bath city. They are toying with the idea of banning their conversion into houses of multiple occupancy (HMOs).
The timing of the proposals could not be more important as the city council grapples with a growing crisis in Bath’s housing market. As the core city center is largely built out, the city has few options for affordable family-sized homes. In turn, the council introduced new measures to preserve the remaining housing stock. The local plan sets out detailed local planning policies up to 2043. Now it’s out for public consultation, providing Metrorail residents with an opportunity to express their views from October 3 until November 14.
Matt McCabe, cabinet member for built environment, housing and sustainable development at Bath and North East Somerset Council, underscored how desperate the situation is. He piped in to emphasize a sense of urgency. He pointed out that turning even one affordable home into an HMO is one fewer that can be replaced. McCabe added, “There is nowhere in the city now to build houses. We have got to stop the loss of this housing stock.”
The proposed ban would affect just three-bedroom homes over 1,500 square feet. Its aim is to prevent these homes being turned into HMOs. This measure could be enforced citywide or limited to the most affordable areas of Bath, depending on community feedback during the consultation period.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service has already done a terrific job of covering these proposals. They focus on the impact that these changes will have on family housing in Bath. John Wimperis took this beautiful picture of Bath’s streetscape. His work makes clear the urgent need to protect family residences in this unique, historic city.
Debates over the local plan and its effects on the housing crisis in Bath are still very lively. The council remains committed to protecting family homes and maintaining affordable options for middle-class residents of all backgrounds. The public consultation is a hugely important opportunity to influence the final direction these proposals take.
