The Member of Parliament, Sir Oliver Dowden MP has spoken in Parliament to question the Government about planning applications for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in Potters Bar.

Many residents in Potters Bar have voiced their opposition to HMO planning applications, particularly at Strafford Gate, Fetherstone Close, Dove Lane, and Tiverton Road. Sir Oliver has been in touch with the leader of Hertsmere Borough Council, Cllr Jeremy Newmark, to raise his concern that the voices of local residents are not being considered by local planning officials in the decision-making process.

Sir Oliver recently met with residents of Strafford Gate to discuss the proposed HMO. They discussed what can be done to strengthen local authority powers with regard to HMO applications in Potters Bar, as well as the impact of this particular proposal on the character of Strafford Gate, and the community itself.

Sir Oliver has been informed that the planning application at Strafford Gate is currently under review, and Cllr Newmark will be providing a further update to Sir Oliver in due course.

Sir Oliver questioned the Leader of the House of Commons, The Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, asking: ‘Thank you, Mr Speaker. Constituents in Potters Bar have been in touch with me about their concerns about increases in applications for houses of multiple occupation. Streets such as Strafford Gate are quite residential roads with semi-detached bungalows on them. They're really not suitable for being converted into units with five or six bedrooms in them. Will the Leader of the House, therefore, find time for us to debate whether planning rules in respect of house of mouthful occupation are fit for purpose’

To watch his question in full, visit: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16aDwDAjye/