Six-person HMO at 29 Penn Lane, Bexley

“This application seeks planning permission for the change of use from a Class C3 dwellinghouse to a Class C4 four bed House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) for a maximum of six residents (containing 2 x double and 2 x single bedrooms, with kitchen, dining room and bathroom). No extensions are proposed to the dwellinghouse, and the proposed scheme would provide three parking spaces to the rear.”

“The proposal relates to a single storey property located on Penn Lane. The proposal property is a large, detached bungalow on a branch of Penn Lane with no clear visual character containing properties of varying design.”

“The proposal is located within a Primarily Residential Area as designated in the Bexley Local Plan (2023). The property is not located within a conservation area, nor is it a statutorily or locally listed building or in immediate proximity to a building or structure designated as such.”

“25/01907/LDCP Lawful Development Certificate (Proposed) for the erection of a single storey rear extension and conversion of roof space involving alterations to existing roofline, including a dormer extension at rear. Granted 21 October 2025.”

“The loft conversion and rear dormer extension works, granted under 25/01907/LDCP would provide space for an additional bedroom. The granted LDC works have not been included in this application and if the intention was to include the loft conversion to facilitate further rooms in the HMO, then planning permission would be needed to increase the number of occupants.”

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

“For the reasons set out in the report the proposed development is considered to be acceptable in relation to its design, standard of occupation, neighbouring amenity, highways impact, secured by design and waste considerations. Overall, the proposal is considered to comply with the relevant policies of the Development Plan, when read as a whole.”

“In compliance with the Council’s HMO standards.”

“To assist the development, improve safety and security and reduce crime, recommends the imposition of Secured by Design condition.”

“Ten objections have been received. In summary the following objections have been raised.”

“Concerns with parking and traffic Addressed in the highways section HMO overlooks their property, privacy concerns Addressed in neighbouring amenity Substandard living conditions for the HMO Addressed in standard of occupation Poor public transport connections Addressed in the highways section Increased anti-social behaviour Addressed in response to representations Waste management Addressed in waste Added strain on public services Addressed in response to representations…”

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

“Following their discussion, the Committee RESOLVED on a vote of 6/3 to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation as set out in the report before them, and as amended by the Addendum.”

“& PR-PE001 REV A (received on 23/10/25) & PR-B001 REV B & PR-P004 REV B (received on 28/10/25) Reason: To prevent any unacceptable deviation from the approved plans. 3. Prior to occupation of the development, the land for vehicle parking shall be suitably laid out, surfaced, and drained in accordance with details first submitted to, and approved in writing by, the Local Planning Authority and shall be permanently maintained and available for such use thereafter.”

“A. Notwithstanding the approved plans and documents, prior to the commencement of the development hereby approved, details shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority to demonstrate that the development will achieve Secure by Design accreditation. B. Within three months of first occupation, evidence that Secure by Design Accreditation has been achieved shall be provided in writing to the Local Planning Authority. C.”