Controversy as Ulster University, Derry supports HMOs

Growing concern around Ulster University, Magee’s plans for future student accommodation in the City has been expressed by Derry City and Strabane councillors.

Speaking at January’s full Council meeting, Cllr Shaun Harkin (People Before Profit) warned “Council has to take this as a very serious matter”.

He explained: “I have met with numerous residents and residents’ groups in the areas surrounding Magee and there is an issue now where Ulster University is writing letters of support for developers who are building or creating HMOs [Houses in Multiple Occupation] and these letters are letters of support for HMOs. There have been quite a few of them. 

“I don’t know if Ulster University is making any attempt to talk to residents in those areas about these letters of support or if it is just putting them in blind because they need more student accommodation. 

“It is having an impact in the area. It is actually generating a lot of anger and frustration from residents who are objecting to HMOs, for different reasons, including traffic congestion. It is also connected to the bigger issue of the lack of housing in the city and right across the district.

“I think we need to meet with Ulster University officials,” said Cllr Harkin, who subsequently put a Proposal before Council.

Cllr Harkin’s Proposal read: “Council will contact Ulster University to arrange a meeting for elected representatives with UU representatives to discuss its plans for student accommodation in Derry and its policy of issuing letters of support from HMOs in residential areas surrounding the Magee campus.”

Cllr Harkin added that he would like to clarify whether or not Ulster University had a strategy around HMOs. 

“Does it actually look into each of the proposals before it sends a letter of support for the developers?” he asked.

“I think what was also referenced in the Planning Committee discussion was what were Ulster University’s overall plans for student accommodation because it can’t just hope it is going to change more streets and more and more areas around the university by backing the building of HMOs. 

“A number of HMO applications have actually been rejected. Ulster University has to have a plan for building and creating student accommodation. This is an issue now and one of the elements is that people are frustrated about the University’s role,” said Cllr Harkin.

To a ripple of laughter, Ald Derek Hussey (UUP)  said he “fully endorsed” Cllr Harkin’s Proposal.

He added: “[At Planning Committee] II had real concerns about the number of HMOs coming through with a template letter from the University. It is just not good enough. 

“The Committee subsequently sent a letter to Ulster University’s Vice Chancellor to ask what plans they themselves had with regards to student accommodation. Because, they have a responsibility, and we need them to live up to their responsibility, with regards to their own students. 

“I understand there will be a certain number of students who are content to move out and live away from student-centred accommodation but there is a need for the University to clarify their plans as they expand.

“Their plans for expansion must include accommodation for the students they are going to attract,” said Ald Hussey.

Cllr Harkin’s Proposal to seek a meeting with Ulster University regarding student accommodation was passed unanimously.