Agenda item

i. Councillor Pierce introduced the item and explained that students now make up 15% of the population in Hull Road.

ii. Martin Glazier, Development Control Area Team Leader, explained his work and development regulations which are determined by central government. He answered three main questions set out by the chair.

1. Is planning permission required for the use of a former 'family' dwelling house as a student residence?

A. If a house occupied by students is organised in such a way as to indicate that it is in multiple occupation then planning permission is required as a material change of use has occurred. However, if students are living in a house on a communal basis and share costs and facilities then planning permission may not be needed.

2. Is planning permission required for all extensions and alterations to student houses?

A. This is the same as any non- student house.

3. When planning permission is required, what aspects can the council take into account in reaching a decision? What can't the council consider?

A. Issues such as parking are looked at. If a development does not have parking space then residents will not be able to get parking permits.

Q. What are the restrictions on the number of occupants in a student house?

A. Generally no more than six occupants are allowed without planning permission but if they are classed as a family or living communally then more  than six residents may be allowed.

Q. Does the landlord have to declare the number of occupants in a student house?

A. No.

iii. Anne-Marie Canning, President of the York University Students Union introduced their Silent Students Happy Homes campaign. This campaign aims to promote neighborliness and encourage students to be considerate to local residents. There is a hotline set up at the university which residents can call if they are experiencing any problems with students.

Student Action are a group of students who do voluntary work in the community including in Hull Road Ward.

iv. Grace Fletcher-Hall, Academic and Welfare Officer of the York University Students Union gave a student perspective on student housing. She explained that she cannot represent all students because they are all different.

Many students choose to stay in York and thus contribute to the City's economy and future.

v. A residents reported that he had telephoned the university about noisy student neighbours and the problem was solved.

Q. A big problem is the state of gardens in student houses. Who is responsible for the upkeep of gardens?

A. This depends on the landlord. Often it is not specified in letting agreements.

Action: Dr Jane Grenvilleand the Student Union to look into what can be done about the state of gardens and feed back to the ward committee.

Q. Are student cars a problem?

A. Less than 50% of students have cars and this is decreasing as the cost of being a student rises. Only a small number of students have parking permits at the university which further discourages them from owning cars.