Four-person HMO at 20 Gordon Road, Belvedere, London

“The proposal site is located on the western side of Gordon Road. The property is a two- storey mid terrace property. The area surrounding the site is of a residential nature and is characterised primarily by single family dwellinghouses. The site is within a Sustainable Development Location. The site does not fall within a conservation area and there are no listed buildings which would be impacted by the development.”

“That the Committee resolve to GRANT planning permission subject conditions.”

“For the reasons set out in this report the proposed development is considered to be acceptable in principle. The proposal would provide residential accommodation, without significant impact to the character of the area, the adjoining residents or the highway network and is in accordance with the relevant policies contained within the London Plan and the Bexley Local Plan.”

“Highways Officers raise no objections subject to conditions. (See Appendix A for further comments)”

“The bedrooms comply with the Council’s HMO standards for bedsits where shared kitchen facilities are provided in a separate room, with all proposed rooms exceeding the minimum 9m² for single occupancy. The shared kitchen (6m²) meets the Council’s minimum standard of 5.5m² for up to five occupants and is therefore acceptable. The applicant should refer to our HMO standards when fitting the kitchen.”

“Objections have been received from three households. In summary the following objections have been raised.”

“Impact on the Local Area Increase in traffic and parking stress…”

“The supporting text to Policy DP5 of the Bexley Local Plan states that “when assessing the impact and quality of the proposed HMO on the local area, issues such as highway safety, residential amenity of future and neighbouring occupiers, refuse arrangements, Bexley’s HMO Living and minimum space standards and the Rent it Right Scheme will be considered.” This is not an exhaustive list of considerations.”

“Overall, it is considered that the addition of an HMO in this area would not result in an over concentration of HMOs in the area.”

“The Committee discussed the application and noted the report and the Addendum item for this application.”

“Following their discussion, the Committee RESOLVED on a vote of 10/0 to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation as set out in the report before them, and as amended by the Addendum.”