Bridgwater is grappling with a significant increase in Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs), prompting local MP Sir Ashley Fox to press the government for enhanced powers to help Somerset Council manage the situation. HMOs, which typically consist of individual bedrooms and bathrooms with shared kitchen and living spaces, often exacerbate parking issues and alter the character of neighbourhoods.
Since 2024, Sir Ashley Fox has represented Bridgwater and recently raised the issue during a House of Commons debate, highlighting that the council currently lacks the authority to adequately address the problems caused by the growing number of HMOs.
“Bridgwater has experienced a sharp rise in HMOs, especially linked to the influx of workers drawn by major construction projects such as Hinkley Point C and the new gigafactory near Puriton and Woolavington,” he explained. “This leads to overcrowded streets, parking shortages, and fundamentally changes the nature of local communities. The council is effectively powerless.”
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Fox called for new legislation to grant local authorities the ability to limit HMO concentrations in specific areas and to require planning permission for HMOs housing fewer than five residents.
The council recently approved expanding an HMO at 37 North Street from six to eight bedrooms and is contesting an appeal over a similar expansion on Taunton Road.
Addressing the debate, Fox noted: “At peak times, up to 12,000 workers will be residing in the area due to ongoing construction. While housing demand is understandable, unchecked growth of HMOs imposes economic pressures and disrupts community cohesion. Councils must have the tools to regulate these developments.”
Housing minister Matthew Pennycook responded that local authorities already have mechanisms such as Article 4 directions—legal orders allowing councils to restrict certain types of property development. He urged Somerset Council to make full use of these existing powers and highlighted the importance of adequate resources and guidance to enforce them effectively.
Somerset Council is committed to building over 500 new council homes by 2030, primarily along the M5 corridor, to address the social housing shortage.
Fox emphasized the link between the proliferation of HMOs and the lack of affordable housing: “Developers have approached me with completed private schemes looking to transfer social housing units to housing associations or charities, but funding constraints are a barrier.”
The minister acknowledged the challenge and provided an update on government efforts, including a registration system designed to connect developers with housing providers for unsold affordable housing units. With over 4,000 units included, this initiative has concluded as of June 1.
“Through rent settlements and additional interventions, we’re enhancing the financial capacity of registered affordable housing providers to acquire more Section 106 homes and restart stalled projects,” Pennycook said.
As Bridgwater continues to expand rapidly in response to major industrial investments, the debate over controlling HMOs highlights the delicate balance between accommodating growth and preserving community character. Local voices push for empowered councils and a stronger social housing framework to meet these challenges head-on.