Consultation launched on scheme to improve housing standards in parts of Scarborough
Residents, tenants and landlords are being encouraged to share their views on plans to continue a scheme designed to improve housing standards and support safer neighbourhoods.
North Yorkshire Council has launched a 10-week consultation on proposals to renew the selective licensing scheme covering privately rented properties in parts of the Weaponness and Ramshill division in Scarborough.
The current scheme, which is due to run until April 2027, helps the council tackle issues linked with poorly managed and substandard private rented accommodation, as well as addressing anti-social behaviour and wider neighbourhood concerns.
Under the scheme, all private landlords operating within the designated area must obtain a licence and comply with a range of conditions.
These include carrying out legal safety checks, protecting tenants’ rights, and ensuring properties are managed to an appropriate standard.
This gives the council additional powers to help regulate privately rented accommodation and to raise housing management standards in the area.
The council is proposing to renew the scheme for a further five years, from May 1, 2027, and is seeking the views of tenants, private landlords and the wider community.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for housing, Cllr Simon Myers, said: “We have a good relationship with private landlords across North Yorkshire and the vast majority provide good quality accommodation and manage their properties responsibly.
“However, there can be a small number of privately rented properties that are poorly managed and fall below acceptable standards, which can have a negative effect on the local area and the communities who live and work there.
“Issues such as anti-social behaviour, high rates of crime and low demand can adversely affect the wellbeing and confidence of residents and neighbourhoods.
“We believe selective licensing is an important tool that helps us work with landlords to improve standards in the private rented sector, supporting tenants and tackling issues that can undermine communities.
“I would encourage residents, tenants and landlords in the area to take part in the consultation and share their views.”
More than 1,000 privately rented properties are covered by the current scheme.
As part of the consultation, the council is also considering extending the designated area to include Valley Road and Esplanade Gardens.
The consultation opens today (Monday, August 3) and closes on Sunday, October 12.
Visit North Yorkshire Council’s website at www.northyorks.gov.uk/scarborough-south-selective-licensing-consultation to take part.
A number of public drop-in sessions will also be held during the consultation period where residents, landlords and anyone interested in the proposals can find out more and speak to staff.
The sessions will take place at Beacon Hall, St Andrew’s United Reformed Church, Albion Crescent, Scarborough, YO11 2LL on:
• Thursday, August 20, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.
• Thursday, August 20, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
• Monday, August 24, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.
• Thursday, September 24, from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
Feedback from the consultation will be considered before any decision is made on whether to renew the scheme from May 2027.
THE STREETS
The full list of streets the Weaponness and Ramshill division in Scarborough to be covered by the proposed selective licensing scheme are:
Albion Crescent, Albion Road, Alga Terrace, Back Crown Terrace, Back Oriel Crescent, Back South Street, Back Trinity Road, Belmont Road, Cambridge Terrace, Carlton Terrace, Craven Street, Cromwell Gardens, Cromwell Parade, Cromwell Road, Cromwell Terrace, Crown Close Back Road, Crown Crescent, Crown Crescent Back Road, Crown Terrace, Esplanade (numbers 1-30 inclusive), Esplanade Gardens, Filey Road (numbers 1-19 odds only), Fulford Road (numbers 1-5a and 17 odds and just 2a, 2b and 2c evens only), Greenfield Road, Grosvenor Crescent, Grosvenor Road, Montpellier Terrace, Oliver Street, Oriel Crescent, Prince of Wales Terrace, Princess Royal Lane, Princess Royal Terrace, Ramshill Road, Royal Avenue, Royal Crescent, Royal Crescent Lane, South Street, St Martins Avenue, St Martins Place, St Martins Road, St Martins Square, Trinity Road, Valley Road, West Street (numbers 1-15 odds and 2-8 evens), West Terrace, Westbourne Grove, Westbourne Road.