Bossing Bedsit World in Southport. New Regulations Unveiled

Southport has a large number of large old properties converted to bedsits and partitioned into small flats. Many of these are concentrated in the centre of town. Some are former guesthouses; many are large Edwardian family houses and a good percentage are in poor physical condition with a rapid turnover of tenants.

It is rare for the actual owners of these “Houses in Multiple Occupation” (HMOs) to live on site. Sefton has had a licensing system for such properties, but many still continue to deteriorate and some have created problems for neighbouring local residents and tenants alike.

John Pugh,councillor for Dukes Ward, which has the highest number of such properties says, “ The conversion of larger properties to HMOs is an on-going problem particularly as many are in poor shape and there are few carrots or sticks to make landlords invest in them. Unsightly properties bring a neighbourhood down and are sometimes associated with other issues like anti-social behaviour and poor rubbish collection.”

Sefton planners though are trying to toughen up the bedsit planning regime with new planning guidance which has been warmly welcomed by Cllr Pugh.

“Anyone trying to convert a property into an HMO will under the new regs have to submit clear plans for how waste is to be managed , how the outside of the property including fences and garden areas will be kept and what the procedures will be following a complaint of anti-social behaviour. If the owner or landlord can’t do that, he won’t get permission to turn the property into bedsits. This new planning guidance addresses the main issues including keeping a proper register of occupants. It’s a step forward.”

However, John Pugh cautions that without proper enforcement none of this makes any difference. "Sefton has limited resources for enforcing the existing regulations and the unscrupulous or negligent landlord will not be losing any sleep over regulations that aren’t backed by diligent enforcement. “

“Too many tenants in poor situations are ignorant of their rights or are unwilling to exercise them - looking to move rather than press for improvements. "