Six-person HMO at 29 Ellison Road, Sidcup

“SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: Change of use from Residential Dwelling (Class C3) to HMO (House of Multiple Occupation) (Class C4) for a maximum of 6 people.”

“PROPOSAL Change of use from Residential Dwelling (Class C3) to HMO (House of Multiple Occupation) (Class C4) for a maximum of 6 people.”

“The proposal site is located on the southeastern side of Ellison Road. The property is a two-storey end of terrace property which is set back from the neighbour terrace to the southwest. The area surrounding the site is of a residential nature and is characterised primarily by single-family dwellinghouses. The site is covered by an Article 4 Direction, which restricts the conversion of single-family houses to HMOs under permitted development rights.”

“24/02215/FUL: Erection of a part one/part two storey side extension and single storey rear extension and refuse store to front. Granted on 23/10/2024.- Currently under construction.”

“24/00793/FUL: Erection of a part one/part two storey side and rear extension and change of use from a single family dwellinghouse (Use class C3) to a 6 bed HMO (House of Multiple Occupation) (Class C4) for a maximum of 6 people. Refused on 17/05/2024.”

“SUMMARY The key issues to consider are whether the change of use from a single family dwellinghouse to a Class C4 House of Multiple Occupation for up to six individuals is acceptable, the impact of the change of use on the occupants of neighbouring dwellings, and the impact on the highway network.”

“REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION The principle of the development is considered acceptable. 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 NPPF, the London Plan and the Bexley Local Plan.”

“Highway Authority Highways officers raise no objections subject to conditions, based on the revised plans. (See Appendix A for further comments)”

“The bedrooms and kitchen comply with the council's HMO standards. The kitchen complies with the minimum room sizes for HMOs but the applicant is advised that when fitting the kitchen they refer to our HMO standards to ensure it complies with them. The property will be subject to mandatory HMO licensing if it is occupied by five or more people and the applicant should apply for a licence prior to occupation of the property.”

“At ground floor level there would be three bedrooms, a shared kitchen and one shared bathroom with two bedrooms benefiting from an en-suite. At first floor level, there would be three bedrooms, and a shared bathroom with one being en-suite. Each of the bedrooms would exceed the minimum internal area requirement set out in Bexley Rent It Right Standards for a single occupancy bedroom.”

“A revised plan for the frontage has been submitted showing parking for three vehicles, perpendicular to the highway along the boundary of number 27, accessed via a new vehicle crossover and private driveway to be constructed on the boundary of number 31. Although industry standard swept path analysis has not been provided, the accessway is sufficiently sized to allow vehicles to enter, turn, park and leave the spaces.”

“This Committee discussed the application and noted the report.”

“Following their discussion, the Committee RESOLVED on a vote of 6/5 to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation as set out in the report before them.”

“Details of a scheme for the allocation and management of the parking area shall be submitted to and approved in writing by Local Planning Authority before any part of the development is first occupied and the parking areas shall be operated in accordance with the approved scheme at all times unless previously agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”

“Details of arrangements for storage of refuse (including means of enclosure for the area concerned where necessary) shall be submitted to, and approved in writing by, the Local Planning Authority before any part of the development hereby permitted is commenced and the approved arrangements shall be completed before any part of the development is first occupied, and shall be permanently maintained thereafter.”