Three-bedroom six-person HMO at 74 Purrett Road, Plumstead, London SE18

What was proposed

The application sought to change a single-family dwelling into a three-bedroom, six-person HMO with cycle and refuse storage.

“Planning permission is sought for the Change of use from an existing- single family dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a 3-bed, 6-person HMO (Use Class C4), cycle and refuse storage and all other associated alterations (revised drawings and description).”

“The drawings indicate that five bins would be located to the front of the property and a cycle store would be located within the rear garden. The bike storage would provide 6 cycle spaces.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site contains a two-storey detached dwelling with front and rear gardens in a mainly residential area of terraced homes.

“The site is located on the western side of Purrett Road and contains an existing two-storey detached dwelling, with a small front garden and a rear garden.”

“The surrounding area is predominantly residential in character and comprises a mixture of terraced dwellings.”

Officer report

Planning history

The site had no relevant planning history.

“The application site has no relevant planning history.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would meet housing needs, provide acceptable accommodation and avoid unacceptable effects on neighbours or the public realm.

“The proposed development would provide an HMO which would contribute to meeting the local and strategic housing needs of the Borough and London as a whole.”

“The proposed development would provide an acceptable quality of accommodation for residents.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Local residents spoke against the proposal, while the applicant’s agent supported it as good-quality accommodation for three couples.

Committee discussion

Members heard that the garden space, cycle access, occupancy, bedroom standards and parking assessment had been addressed or met the relevant requirements.

“In response to Members’ questions, the Planning Officer confirmed that with the extension and the cycle storage there would still be the 50% garden space required. There was a side passageway between the two houses which meant that cycles did not need to be wheeled through the house to the garden. There had been an issue with the gradient, raised by Highways officers, which had now been addressed.”

“The Committee accepted an address by local residents speaking in objection. They raised concerns regarding traffic and parking impacts, citing that their road was a key route to Plumstead High St and carried two way traffic along a steep hill. Parking was already problematic and often restricted the traffic flow causing congestion, delays and disputes between motorists, alongside incidents of vehicle damage.”

Minutes

The decision

Full planning permission was granted for the HMO, cycle and refuse storage, and associated alterations, subject to conditions.

“That Full Planning Permission be GRANTED for the change of use from an existing-single family dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a 3-bed, 6-person HMO (Use Class C4), cycle and refuse storage and all other associated alterations (revised drawings and description)”

“To authorise the Assistant Director (Planning & Building Control) to make any minor changes to the detailed wording of the recommended conditions as set out in this report (Appendix 2), its addendums and the minutes of this Area Committee Meeting, where the Assistant Director (Planning & Building Control) considers it appropriate, before issuing the decision notice.”

Minutes