Four-bedroom HMO at 98 Grove Road, Strood, Rochester

“The application seeks permission for a change of use of the property from a single dwellinghouse (Class C3) to a house of multiple occupation (HMO) (Class C4) along with a single storey rear extension and a L-shaped dormer to facilitate living accommodation in the roof space. The property would comprise:”

“Ground Floor: 1X bedroom with ensuite shower room, kitchen/dining room and lounge. First Floor: 1X bedroom with ensuite shower room, 1X bedroom, 1X bathroom. Second Floor/Loft: 1X bedroom with ensuite shower room.”

“Most suitable locations, according to paragraph 5.5.28 of the Local Plan, are likely to be within or on the fringes of town centres or on main roads where there is a mix of land use and unlikely to be suited to family occupation. In this case, the property is located in a mixed-use street with a car park, convenience store and flats within close proximity.”

“The application site is located on Grove Road, close to Strood railway station in the urban area of Strood. Grove Road is a single lane road with Grove Road Car Park located on the north side and the application property to the south. The property is an end of terrace, two-storey dwelling which sits hard up to the pavement.”

“MC/25/2499 Change of use from dwelling house (Class C3) to 6 bed houses in multiple occupation (Class C4). Construction of single storey extension to rear along with an L-shaped dormer to rear and roof lights to front to facilitate living accommodation in the roof space.”

“Withdrawn 25 February 2026 81/513 Change of use of part of ground floor from residential to shop Refused 4 August 1981”

“While it is understood that the application site would not be able to meet its parking need off-street, nor does the current use as a single occupancy dwellinghouse. Likewise, the Medway Residential Parking Standards state: "Reductions of the standard will be considered if the development is within an urban area that has good links to sustainable transport and where day-to-day facilities are within easy walking distance”.”

“Cycle storage for five cycles is proposed in the rear garden. This is considered acceptable subject to a condition ensuring that this is provided prior to the occupation of the HMO.”

“The City of Rochester Society have objected to the proposal due to concerns over an increase in noise and anti-social behaviour and lack of parking provision as part of the proposal in an area of limited on and off-street parking. Additionally, concerns have been raised over a precedent being set of further conversions in the area.”

“Kent Police have welcomed further discussions with the applicant/agent about site specific designing out crime approaches and have provided additional advice with respect to lighting and natural surveillance, security and boundary treatments and other approaches that could be implemented within the development.”

“Noise and disturbance Impact on privacy Change the character of the area. Construction noise and disturbance…”

“The Committee considered the application in detail and Members requested that an additional condition be imposed requiring the installation of an alley gate, in order to prevent the accumulation of refuse along the alleyway. The Service Manager – Development Management advised that he was not sure…”

“The Service Manager – Development Management confirmed that Medway Council’s Highways Team had advised that a parking survey was not necessary. The Chief Planning Officer clarified that as the application site fell within a parking restriction zone, a Parking Management Plan was recommended. This would set out measures to deter residents from obtaining parking permits.”

“Approved with conditions 1 to 8 as set out in the report for the reasons stated in the report with amended conditions 2, 5 and 6. An additional condition or informative to be added to secure alley gates on both ends of the alley.”

“Revised plans for cycle parking were submitted and the conditions 2, 5 and 6 were amended:”