21-06-2025
Concerns over number of HMO licenses being issued in Glasgow
Mel Feild, who has been working with other locals to prevent the development of further purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) in the West End, has raised concerns about the number of HMOs (house in multiple occupation) granted in the area.
An FOI request revealed that of the 248 Hillhead HMO licences in the Hillhead ward, 119 were new licenses approved since 2021 that have not been granted previously.
Since 2021, a further 116 new HMO licences have been granted as a result of the change of owner, four new HMOs were agreed as the result of missing the renewal date and nine new licences were approved as a result of an issue with title deeds.
Ms Feild claims that these numbers 'contravene' the council's own City Development Plan (CDP) and 'erode the fabric of a coveted conservation area.'
She said: 'The reason I submitted the FOI request was because I wanted to understand the city development plan for 2017 which states no more HMOs are going to be approved in Hillhead because we already have too many.
'The FOI revealed there are 248 licenses in Hillhead overall but that there have been 119 new HMO licences approved since 2021 which I take issue with.
READ MORE: Council facing huge repair bill after leaving 'justice centre' in state of disrepair
'Now the issue is what is the council going to do about it. When I saw those numbers, I was shocked as were members of the Hillhead community council.'
A report by a member of the Hillhead Community Council, which represents voices from around the Hillhead area, highlights some of the issues residents face living when somewhere with a high concentration of students.
It states that the density of HMOs within buildings and the density of student accommodation towers affect the short and long-term health of residents living and working in this city.
These include adult workers such as local nurses, doctors, teachers and shopkeepers who are vital to the area and this city for its long-term sustainability.
Health issues due to noise, disturbance where people have reported ceiling collapsing due to parties, and the comings and goings of short-term residence, can lead to insomnia, increased blood pressure, stress, digestive issues as well as depression and anxiety.
Many residents and owner occupiers in Hillhead and surrounding areas feel that they are being disregarded and treated like second-class citizens due to the density of HMOs and the student accommodation blocks.
People now feel they are getting pushed out of their homes and are moving elsewhere.
READ MORE: Taxi firm owner 'deeply embarrassed' after shouting and swearing at council meeting
Mel added: 'There is a document of issues that have emerged as a result of the number of HMOs in the area including issues around health and welfare, environmental through litter and bulk items that are dumped all over the place and the economic impact as students don't generate council tax or profit for these properties.
'People feel like second-class citizens due to the density of HMOs and these student accommodation blocks. It is a point where the council needs to stop granting HMO licences which take away from residential amenity.
'No more means no more. What is the point of licensing if you are just going to hand out licenses like lollies to anyone who asks for one?
'I think there are two angles here. There is a longer-term strategy of figuring out how the council legislation needs to work so that planning and licensing are linked so there is no messing around to get straight to a licence without having to do planning first.
'The council needs to stop issuing NET new licenses. There needs to be an inquiry on how to prevent this and allow the longer term strategy to catch up.'
Hillhead Community Council will now ask the council to hold an enquiry into the number of HMO licenses approved and for a moratorium on NET NEW HMO licenses to be put in place until an enquiry is concluded.
Glasgow City Council says each HMO licence is considered under the Housing (Scotland) Act with the purpose to protect public safety.
READ MORE: Council rejects plans for huge 1000-home development with pub and park
A spokesman said: 'Applications for an HMO licence are considered in terms of section 130 and 131 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006.
'Each application is always assessed on its own merits.
'If both the property and the owners or their agents are deemed to be suitable in terms of the relevant legislation, there is no basis to refuse a licence.
'Local representatives are consulted on every HMO application in their area and notices are displayed next to any property that is subject of an application.
'Members of the public and community councils can make representations about HMO applications and these must be considered.
'Planning permission is only required where a property requires to be sufficiently changed to become suitable for use as an HMO.
'The purpose of any licensing scheme, including HMOs, is to protect public safety.'
