By Andrew Spence
Plans have been submitted to East Riding Council for a new HMO (house of multiple occupancy) – the residents of which will enter into a strict covenant as to how life in the house looks. Members will be told that house commitments come “ahead of other parts of your life.”
The plans relate to a property on Trinity Road, Bridlington. On the surface the submitted application, which seeks permission for the change of use of the property from guest house to HMO, seems like a routine planning application. However, it is the words “for Ecclesiastic community use” that piques interest.
Within the design and access statement submitted to the council, is a ‘covenant’ that explains how this is “different to a regular house-share.” The covenant which “will be entered into by residents of the property,” goes on to set out a series of house rules that must be followed, and events that residents are expected to attend.
The documents also explains the house’s stance on “sex, drugs, alcohol and relationships.” The house is a smoke, vape, and drug free house however, it is said that alcohol is allowed in moderation. It continues: “Sex in our houses is for those in a marriage. If you have a partner visiting they will need to stay overnight in lounges or spare rooms rather than your bedroom.”
The ‘house leader,’ who is named as Miriam Thurlow, is mentioned numerous times in the document. It is said that the leader “makes the final call on both practical matters, and how we set cultures in the house.” The leader’s authority does not stop there, the documents also state: “If people in the same house are wanting to get into a relationship with one another, we encourage open communication with the leader of the house.”
The house leader, who is also said to be an ordained priest of the Church of England, will permanently live in the house. The leader will be accountable “for the good order of the household.”
Residents will be expected to place the house above other commitments they may have, including “taking priority over part-time work, catching up with friends or family, or other one-off/regular commitments,” as “saying ‘yes’ to intentional community inevitably means saying ‘no’ to some other things.” Despite this, it is granted that “from time to time, reasons will crop up that mean it’s valid to not be present, but the expectation is that you’ll discuss these situations with your house leader.”
Community is said to be a big part of the house’s culture, this is seen through the commitment to eating and praying together. It is said that the community spirit will be beneficial in a number of ways, for example the covenant states: “We care for each other, open our doors to others in friendship, help each other as we ponder questions of faith, theology and life, and support each other to grow in our faith and vocation to serve Jesus in the world.”
