A FALLOWFIELD couple have urged Housing Minister John Healey to review the rules that allow landlords to convert family homes in South Manchester without planning permission.

The Cabinet Minister visited the home of Joan and Patrick Galvin, who live on Barnsfold Avenue, in Fallowfield, during a visit to the constituency on Thursday November 26th. Mr Healey was invited by Labour candidate Lucy Powell who is campaigning for a change in planning rules to give residents a greater say in the future of their community.

Following a consultation on further regulation to the HMO sector which closed last month, Ministers are expected to announce changes to the law in the next few weeks. Lucy is urging the Government to grant Manchester Council improved powers to manage the number of houses in multiple occupation (HMO) in areas like Fallowfield and Withington. In particular, Lucy is looking for changes to the “Use Class” orders which would required HMO’s to seek planning permission for small extensions and change of use to (previously) residential properties.

Joan Galvin, aged 59, said: “During the past ten years we have seen a steady deterioration of our area due to the increasing number of houses that have been bought by private landlords. “We’ve lived here for more than 20 years and up until about five years ago our street was mainly residential but now there’s only just over half a dozen that are non-rental.”

Joan’s husband, Patrick, aged 58, added: “We know that at present the city council has no power to prevent these houses being in multiple occupation with the result that our community has become very unbalanced. It’s remarkable how fast the area has changed. “We are pleased that the Government is now considering changes to the planning laws which will give local councils the power to control the conversion of family homes into multiple occupation.”

Labour’s Withington PPC Lucy Powell said: "Traditional family houses in South Manchester are being converted into multiple occupancy accommodation often without planning permission.

“I invited the Housing Minister to the constituency as part of my campaign for the Council to be given improved planning powers so that we can reduce the negative impact on long-term residents like Joan and Patrick. The decision by Ministers is immiment and I’m delighted that Mr Healey was able to see the issues at first hand.

"It’s important to say that the majority of landlords and letting agents abide by the rules but what must be addressed is the minority of bad landlords who give the sector a bad name.”

Minister of State for Housing John Healey said: "Labour wants to improve the quality of the private rented sector - by increasing professionalism and driving out bad landlords. "Labour’s candidate Lucy Powell has made me aware of the situation in Manchester Withington.

"The vast majority of landlords play by the rules but it’s unfortunate that an inconsiderate minority choose not to consider the effects of their actions and make residents suffer in this way.

"This is a real problem in a number of communities across England, which is why the Government is committed to finding a long term solution to current rental practices."