We are a group of deeply concerned residents of Reddish, Stockport staging this petition to safeguard our much loved community from the potential impact of conversions to small Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs). 

Small HMOs are swamping the housing landscape and negatively impacting communities nationwide. 

Property developers are taking advantage currently of the inadequate licensing arrangements in place (and the complete lack of these for small HMO’s). 

The negative impact these are having on our neighborhood's  is immense. As well as the noise and disruption to communities , parking and congestion, ethical and safety concerns , impact on local services associated with these homes  etc – there is significant evidence that along with the increase in small HMO’s comes an increase in crime and anti-social behaviour to areas that are saturated with these . 

It is time to address the problems that HMOs bring to communities when not managed and maintained appropriately and when placed in inappropriate residential  areas such as ours . 

Our concerns are based on well founded , concrete and tangible evidence and research . We are making a reasonable objection to enable us to maintain the integrity and heritage of our community. We are not over reacting or demonising HMO’s, of course there is a place in society for these to meet certain , specific housing needs. However, we really need to address this being used as the main strategy as a response to the housing crisis. Cramming people into tiny rooms in a shared house is not progress, this is a backward step . Residential areas need to be preserved and protected and a balanced approach is needed to address this. 

Therefore, the pressure is on us to maintain a balance between development and our quality of life.

The Courts have confirmed that an Article 4 direction can be imposed by a local authority to withdraw permitted development rights, for small HMOs (Planning Advisory Service). We are suggesting that this protective step be initiated in Reddish in order to control and halt the expansion of HMOs, and therefore shield our landscape and ward off the proliferate expanse of the pervasive and damaging social issues that go hand in hand with these.  

In 2019, approximately 17% of households in Manchester were recorded as HMOs (Office for National Statistics). This is a stark illustration of the creeping spread of these establishments in our region. Reddish must not become another postscript to this trend.

I implore the people of Reddish and local authorities to join us in opposing small HMOs and request the implementation of Article 4. By signing this petition, you are adding your voice to the overwhelming majority of Reddish residents who see our community slipping away as a result of these. 

Join us in our campaign for change , and demanding we protect the soul of our community before it is too late.