Mansfield residents protest rise in HMO housing

Residents of Princes Street in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, are protesting the increasing number of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in their neighborhood. Long-term residents claim the conversion of family homes into high-density rentals has eroded community spirit, increased anti-social behavior, doubled vehicle numbers, and caused issues with waste management.

Tensions recently escalated following the approval of a planning application for a property at number 13 Princes Street. The owners sought to increase the occupancy of the three-storey house from six to ten people. The proposal included retrofitting bedrooms to accommodate couples and installing hob cookers in five rooms, while designating the garden area for nine wheelie bins. Despite local opposition and accusations that the council is ignoring the impact on the area, the plans were approved with conditions.