A REFERENDUM could soon be held over the long-standing issue of family homes being turned into bedsits or flats in Eastcott.

Some residents say landlords splitting homes has changed the character of the area and led to a lack of parking and other problems.

A referendum could soon be held under the new Localism Act over whether to set down neighbourhood planning guidelines, which would allow the community to restrict this practice.

Dave Lancaster, 64, of Morse Street, said he would back a referendum to impose restrictions.

He added: “It’s getting beyond a joke up here. We’ve got 28 houses in this block, which is Crombey Street to Commercial Road, both sides, and only six or seven are family houses. All the rest are rented.

“Seven out of 28, that’s quite a big thing. And when we came here there was possibly one rented property, and that was 40 years ago. It’s gone down ever since.”

According to Mr Lancaster, who is the local Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator, the area has a transient population, lacks a sense of community and residents do not know who is around if something happens, such as a crime. He said there were problems with overcrowding, a lack of parking and people dumping rubbish.

Councillors in Eastcott have started the ball rolling for a possible referendum by calling the first meeting of the Eastcott Neighbour-hood Forum. Under the Localism Act, residents can set up a local forum which, in consultation with councillors, can draw up a neighbourhood plan. There is then a referendum on this plan and, if supported, it becomes a consideration for the planning committee.

The Government has confirmed the neighbourhood plans can make it a requirement for landlords splitting smaller homes to apply for planning permission, which they do not currently need. The plan would also enable residents to cap the number of split homes in their area.

Coun Dave Wood (Lib Dem, Eastcott) said: “For years residents have been complaining about the impact of family homes being turned into bedsits or flats.

“Having some bedsits is important to any area, it’s useful for the economy and for young people. However Eastcott has as many as it can handle and residents do not want the character of the area to be changed for the worse.”