Ten-bedroom HMO conversion at 179 Carlingford Drive, Westcliff-on-Sea

What was proposed

The application sought extensions, a raised roof, a ten-bedroom HMO, altered elevations, rear parking, and bin and cycle storage.

“Planning permission is sought to raise the ridge height by some 1.5m and erect a first-floor extension to form habitable accommodation at first floor, erect a single storey rear extension and convert the dwellinghouse into a 10-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) (sui generis), alter the elevations, layout bin and cycle stores and parking to rear.”

“The 2025 Application had a materially different design with a gambrel roof form compared to the proposed hipped roof form of the current application. (Gambrel roofs are like barn roofs). • The 2025 Application did not include any dining room facilities. The proposed internal layout of the current application includes dining areas. • The proposed bedroom and ensuite sizes of the current application have been amended compared to the 2025 Application.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site contains a bungalow in a mainly residential area, beside Southend University Hospital, with existing side parking and perimeter trees.

“The application site contains a single storey bungalow on the northern side of Carlingford Drive. The surrounding area is mainly residential in character. Southend University Hospital is immediately to the south of the site. There is a hard surfaced parking area to the side of the dwelling accessed via an existing vehicle crossover onto Carlingford Drive.”

“The development subject of this application is currently under construction and some of the grassed area and vegetation within the rear garden has been recently cleared. As of 29 June 2026, the dwelling’s roof has been removed, a single storey rear extension has been erected, and side elevation alterations to the dwelling have been carried out.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

Twenty interested parties raised concerns including design, HMO concentration, residential amenity, parking, traffic, wildlife, flooding, overdevelopment and construction work.

“Public Consultation 4.1 Sixteen (16) neighbouring properties were notified of the application by letter, and a site notice was displayed. Representations from twenty (20) interested parties have been received. Summary of representations:”

“Concerns over the design and impact on the character of the area including scale, over-intensification, out of character, out of keeping. • Concentration of HMOs in the area. • Residential amenity concerns including noise and disturbance, light pollution, loss of light, loss of privacy, overbearing, overlooking, pollution. • Waste and refuse concerns.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A local resident spoke against the application and the applicant responded.

The committee’s decision

The committee resolved to refuse planning permission.

“Resolved:- That PLANNING PERMISSION be REFUSED for the following reasons:”

Minutes

Reasons for refusal

The committee found the development dominant and overdeveloped, harmful to neighbours, and unsuitable for future occupiers’ privacy, safety and living conditions.

“The proposed development, by reason of its scale, form, siting and dominant relationship with neighbouring properties to the sides, would result in an unacceptable overbearing impact and an undue sense of enclosure for the occupiers of Nos. 173 and 181 Carlingford Drive, causing significant harm to their residential amenity.”

“The proposed development, by reason of the intensity of occupation proposed, the relationship between bedrooms and communal areas, the proximity of parking, servicing and circulation areas to residential accommodation, and the location of the building’s side entrance adjacent to the access road, would fail to provide a satisfactory standard of accommodation for future occupiers.”

Minutes