NEW LEGISLATION was confirmed last week by York City Council that is likely to seriously affect the future of student housing in York.
Despite opposition by both the University of York and York St John University, the City Council have decided to bring in the “Article 4 Direction” on April 20, 2012.
Student houses are defined as ‘Houses of Multiple Occupation’ (HMOs) with three to six residents. The Article 4 Direction requires that, in future, landlords will require planning permission and an HMO license to convert an ordinary house into one for multiple occupancy. This, combined with the rising number of students being accepted into the University, may result in increased rental costs in sought-after areas.
James Alexander, the council leader, told York Press that the aim was to establish “mixed communities” and to “improve the quality of accommodation for students and non-students.”
It has been suggested that the legislation has been put forward as a result of complaints made to the council by residents in areas such as Osbaldwick and Hull Road. Locals allege that the rise in student housing has resulted in more incidents of anti-social behaviour, littering, parking issues, and even that it has affected nearby schools.
Millie Perkins, a second-year Chemistry student currently living in the student-heavy Osbaldwick area, said “it seems like the council are discriminating against students.”
YUSU President Tim Ellis joined forces with the York St John Student Union President Leigh Hankinson, writing to the council proposing a joint community strategy with the York Residential Landlords Association targeting “the problems that can occur with student housing, such as unkempt gardens, poor adherence to recycling schedules and crime.” This was rejected by the council.
Following the ruling, Tim Ellis told Vision that YUSU “are extremely disappointed with the Cabinet’s decision to go forward with this discriminatory piece of legislation. The Article 4 Direction has the potential to be extremely damaging for students in York.
“We are now extremely keen to hear from Councillor James Alexander and the City Council, exactly how the Article 4 Direction will be used. We will also continue to make sure students’ voices are heard by Councillors who seem to think that they only represent long-term residents in York, and not the 20,000 students who live in this city and are a part of this community.”
“Locals allege” – nameless people with unsubstantiated allegations. It’s hardly a sound basis for bringing in legislation that will have a severe impact on rents and housing availability for students.
“… that it has even affected nearby schools” – how? By tempting sixth formers into the dangerous practice of higher education?