Restrictions could be placed on ‘co-living’ developments in Manchester under new rules being considered by the town hall.
The council is unsure if the shared housing model is suitable for Manchester, and is considering plans to see its spread restricted to the city centre.
Co-living - dubbed ‘dorms for millennials’ - is a form of shared living, which often includes communal spaces and shared amenities.
Normally aimed at younger people, it’s become popular in global cities with limited housing options - like New York and Berlin - although some critics have argued that it’s an unaffordable option.
Many developers, keen to enter into this market in Manchester, have scouted the council’s position on the model.
But documents going before the town hall this week show that Manchester council has some concerns over co-living - particularly over its affordability and room size.
Figures included in the report suggest that co-living rent in London costs more than double the amount of a comparable build to rent property in the city. And it adds that some co-living schemes may not meet Manchester’s minimum space standards.
Although co-living hasn’t yet taken off in Manchester, council officers say there is ‘concern’ that co-living is becoming the ‘default position’ for many developers and investors.
Recommendations going before Manchester’s executive meeting on Thursday say: “Given that the product is untested in Manchester, it is not considered appropriate to approve a significant level of co-living accommodation.
“It is suggested that only a restricted amount can be supported in advance of a full policy approach being developed. The performance and impact of co-living will need to be regularly reviewed to ensure the right policy is adopted,” it adds.
Papers suggest limiting any new co-living schemes to the city centre, and council officers have drawn up a list of suggested criteria for schemes which are brought to the town hall’s planning panel before council policy on the model has been decided.
Among these suggested considerations are:
- Demonstrated support from employers or potential employers
- Zero-carbon schemes
- Funding towards affordable housing in the city
- Precluding letting to students
The report also suggests consulting with relevant stakeholders before drawing up policy on the town hall’s official position.
