Proposed areas
Why have existing Selective Licensing areas been proposed for further declarations
5 of the 6 current Selective Licensing areas continue to have higher-than-average levels of housing disrepair, crime, anti-social behavior, social or environmental problems. They also remain the areas with the highest rates of private rented housing in Rotherham. The areas which have had previous declarations are Dinnington, Eastwood / Town Centre, Masbrough, Parkgate & Thurcroft. Brinsworth North East is being proposed for the first time.
Please see appendices 4 & 5 of the Cabinet Item for more information – Selective Licensing Scheme 1 Cabinet 16 September 2024
Despite the increased profile and service provision in these areas, levels of poor housing have not sustained the improvement from earlier schemes and are still too high. They have required substantial levels of enforcement activity to remove hazards to tenants over the past 5 years and there is little confidence the areas will improve without further periods of focused work. Antisocial behaviour and crime have also not sustained improvement in many areas. It is proposed that any future declaration will focus more on these elements along with housing standards.
The specific areas which have been proposed for a future declaration will be in similar areas to previous but will have different boundaries depending on the current local situation. The full map with boundaries and street list can be viewed on the 'your consultation' section of this page.
Why Brinsworth North East
Brinsworth North East has a very high percentage of private rented sector properties. It is being considered for Selective Licensing for the first time, as it has a recent history of environmental and antisocial behaviour issues. The traditional terrace housing in the area is suspected to be suffering from disrepair due to its age and character.
The area has changed over the last 5 years, with an increasing number of private rented sector properties, some because of Right to Buy ex-local authority housing, being let privately. The culture of the area has also changed over time, from a fairly fixed local community, to a more mixed and transient one. It is believed that a period of sustained focus on this area, which Selective Licensing can provide, will reverse negative trends to restore the community moving into the future.