Frustrated Local Residents Accuse Student Housing Complexes of Destabilizing Community at Prestigious British University
Rewritten Article:
Durham University's rapid student expansion and the alleged impact on local, affordable communities have stirred up anger, MailOnline reports.
Home to European football champions, Durham University—currently the fifth-best in the UK according to the Good University Guide—is witnessing a surge in student population residence creep into the suburbs. Shockingly, this is happening at the expense of family homes being converted into HMOs (Houses of Multiple Occupation).
The Council of Gilesgate estate, where Durham Cathedral lies, is the latest destination for this transformation. Recently, a three-bedroom house at number 38 on Cooper Square was given the green light to be converted into a four-room HMO, making it the third such property on the once-peaceful street of post-war council houses.
Local residents claim that Cooper Square is simply one of many examples demonstrating how the city is being "taken over" by the university's student population, pushing low-income families out of their familiar, lifelong estates.
Disgruntled neighbors like Janice Garbutt, 70, are not hiding their frustration. Commenting on the changes in her neighborhood, she stated, "When number 38 has been converted, it will be the third HMO on this street – and that's a disgrace because Cooper Square was built for families, not students."
Residents are concerned that the rapid growth of student housing developments is leading to the erosion of once-close-knit communities, as they lose touch with their neighbors and experience a decline in the community's character.
A neighbor, Ryan Morgan, 58, recalls the era of yesteryears when people used to gather together, socialize, and build relationships that extend beyond the confines of the street. "Those days are gone now," he laments. "These days, people don't even know each other."
For Kim Grabham, 63, living mere steps away from a future student hub, this transformation is a cause for concern. She highlights the building of a massive student hall of residence in neighboring Gilesgate, stating, "With student houses in neighboring streets and the latest conversions, the creep into residential areas seems unstoppable."
Residents provide a glimpse into the chaos one family experienced when living next to Durham students, noting that loud, late-night parties turned their tranquil street into a warzone.
Utilizing these insights, Durham University can adopt several strategies to address community concerns and steer its student growth. Firstly, it can engage in closer dialogue with local authorities, actively collaborating in urban planning initiatives to prioritize family homes and affordable housing over excessive student accommodation expansion. By investing in purpose-built student accommodations on university-owned land, the university can alleviate pressure on the local housing market.
In addition, the university can promote responsible community behavior among students through agreements emphasizing respect for local residents and community norms. Furthermore, it can advocate for policy changes at the local or national level to restrict unnecessary conversions of family homes into HMOs.
Lastly, Durham University can foster community outreach programs, connecting students and longtime residents by providing shared experiences through volunteer initiatives or community events. The university should also emphasize the potential benefits of its expansion for local businesses and infrastructure, such as increased economic opportunities and community growth.
By taking these steps, Durham University can minimize the negative impact of its expanding student population and preserve the integrity of local, affordable communities.
The surge in Durham University's student population has led to a significant shift in local housing, with numerous family homes being converted into HMOs for student accommodation. This real-estate transformation, particularly evident on Cooper Square, has sparked concern among residents, including Janice Garbutt, who considers it a disgrace as these post-war council houses were built for families. In the realm of finance and investing, Durham University might want to explore new strategies to prioritize affordable housing, such as collaborating with local authorities or investing in purpose-built student accommodation, in order to mitigate the negative impact of its student growth on the housing market and maintain a harmonious relationship with its surrounding communities.
