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26/09/2008
New Report Tackles Neighbourhood 'Studentification' Problem
To coincide with the start of a new term for university and college students across Britain, a report that identifies ways to help councils manage high concentrations of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) was published by Housing and Planning Minister Caroline Flint today.
'Studentification' of university towns is a real concern especially during the summer months when neighbourhoods are left dormant because too many properties (Houses in Multiple Occupation, HMOs) in one area are rented to groups of students.
For example students from Queens University, Belfast typically live within a mile of campus and make up more than half of all households in the area with some streets exclusively occupied by students.
The independent research sets out a series of cross cutting measures that could tackle and stop the complex causes and symptoms of concentrated student neighbourhoods. The measures include new planning mechanisms and the widespread adoption of a number of the best common sense local solutions that can be easily adopted.
Housing and Planning Minister, Caroline Flint said: "It is not acceptable that current rental practices allow unplanned student enclaves to evolve to such an extent that local communities are left living as ghost towns following the summer student exodus.
"Today's report has identified a series of proven steps councils and universities can take to reduce the dramatic effects of 'studentification' where Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) cluster too closely together."
"I also want to consider further how the planning proposals might help councils change term time only towns into properly planned towns that blend the student populations into well mixed neighbourhoods that are alive all year round."
There are clear economic benefits from student populations. They make a significant contribution to sustaining and regenerating communities. But their dramatic growth in recent years has seen this type of housing problem increase because students typically group together to rent properties.
(JM)
'Studentification' of university towns is a real concern especially during the summer months when neighbourhoods are left dormant because too many properties (Houses in Multiple Occupation, HMOs) in one area are rented to groups of students.
For example students from Queens University, Belfast typically live within a mile of campus and make up more than half of all households in the area with some streets exclusively occupied by students.
The independent research sets out a series of cross cutting measures that could tackle and stop the complex causes and symptoms of concentrated student neighbourhoods. The measures include new planning mechanisms and the widespread adoption of a number of the best common sense local solutions that can be easily adopted.
Housing and Planning Minister, Caroline Flint said: "It is not acceptable that current rental practices allow unplanned student enclaves to evolve to such an extent that local communities are left living as ghost towns following the summer student exodus.
"Today's report has identified a series of proven steps councils and universities can take to reduce the dramatic effects of 'studentification' where Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) cluster too closely together."
"I also want to consider further how the planning proposals might help councils change term time only towns into properly planned towns that blend the student populations into well mixed neighbourhoods that are alive all year round."
There are clear economic benefits from student populations. They make a significant contribution to sustaining and regenerating communities. But their dramatic growth in recent years has seen this type of housing problem increase because students typically group together to rent properties.
(JM)
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08 September 2004
Tories pledge to scrap fees and funnel £21bn more into education
A Conservative government would provide an extra £21 billion investment in higher education, and scrap student fees in favour of loans, it has emerged today.
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A Conservative government would provide an extra £21 billion investment in higher education, and scrap student fees in favour of loans, it has emerged today.
17 October 2003
Top-up fees will discourage students from medicine: BMA
The BMA's Medical Students Committee has expressed concerns that top-up fees will discourage students - particularly those from working class backgrounds - from applying to medical school.
Top-up fees will discourage students from medicine: BMA
The BMA's Medical Students Committee has expressed concerns that top-up fees will discourage students - particularly those from working class backgrounds - from applying to medical school.
18 October 2005
Fee support for part-time students
Part-time students are to receive an increase in financial support under new plans announced by the government. Under the new plans, students studying at least 75% of a full-time course will be eligible to receive up to £1,125 – an increase from the previous maximum of £885.
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Part-time students are to receive an increase in financial support under new plans announced by the government. Under the new plans, students studying at least 75% of a full-time course will be eligible to receive up to £1,125 – an increase from the previous maximum of £885.
16 July 2013
Police Extend 'Dangerous' Man Hunt Nationwide
Police have put airports and ports on alert as the hunt for a man in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 66-year-old man in Hertfordshire on Saturday. 55-year-old John McLoughlin has been described as "dangerous" and is wanted in connection with the death of Graham Buck, who was killed after he intervened in a robbery at a neighbours house.
Police Extend 'Dangerous' Man Hunt Nationwide
Police have put airports and ports on alert as the hunt for a man in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 66-year-old man in Hertfordshire on Saturday. 55-year-old John McLoughlin has been described as "dangerous" and is wanted in connection with the death of Graham Buck, who was killed after he intervened in a robbery at a neighbours house.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
