Six-person HMO at 22 Brighton Road, Coulsdon

What was proposed

Retrospective permission was sought to change a single dwelling into a six-bedroom, six-person HMO with parking, storage and electric vehicle charging points.

“Confidential PLANNING SUB-COMMITTEE AGENDA 24 September 2026 PART 5: Planning Applications for Decision Item 5.2 1.0 APPLICATION DETAILS Ref: 25/00154/FUL Location: Brighton Road, Coulsdon CR5 2BA Ward: Coulsdon Town Description: Retrospective change of use from single family dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to 6 bedroom 6 person HMO (Use Class C4) with associated cycle and refuse provision, parking and installation of electric vehicle charging points.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a detached two-storey house on Brighton Road, set behind parking in a residential area near public transport.

“SITE AND SURROUNDINGS 4.1 The application site comprises a two-storey detached dwellinghouse with a single- storey side extension, formerly a garage to serve the property. The property is situated on the A23 Brighton Road in Coulsdon and is set back from the highway behind an area of hardstanding used for off-street parking.”

“The site is at medium risk of surface water flooding and within the Purley Cross Critical Drainage Area.”

Officer report

Planning history

Earlier permissions covered conversion of the side and rear garage to a habitable room and previous garage proposals, while nearby flats were also authorised.

“Planning History 4.4 The following planning decisions are relevant to the application: Granted 23/02491/LP: Alterations to and conversion of side/rear garage to habitable room – Granted and alterations implemented.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval, finding the housing use, accommodation, parking, refuse, cycle provision and biodiversity effects acceptable subject to conditions.

“SUMMARY OF KEY REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION • The continued use of the property as an HMO for up to 6 people in 6 bedrooms is acceptable in principle meeting a housing need • The quality of the accommodation is acceptable for existing/future occupants • Subject to a condition securing a management plan the use as an HMO is acceptable • The level of car parking provision and the impact of the development on highway safety is acceptable • Subject to condition, refuse and cycle…”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

Transport for London raised no objection subject to safeguards, while fourteen neighbours and the residents’ association objected on several planning grounds.

“The following sections of this report summarise the officer’s assessment of the application against the material planning considerations and the relevant policies which have contributed to the recommendation to grant planning permission. CONSULTATION RESPONSE 6.1 The views of the Planning Service are expressed in the MATERIAL PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS section below.”

“The following issues were raised in representations that are material to the determination of the application, and they are addressed in substance in the next section of this report: Objection Officer comment Not in keeping with the area Considered in para 9.33 Neighbouring amenity Considered in para 9.25-9.29 Quality of accommodation Considered in para 9.13-9.23 Transport and Highways impacts Considered in para 9.34-9.40 Loss of family home Considered in para 9.3-9.5…”

Officer report

Who addressed the committee

The application was presented by a deputy team leader, and no speakers addressed the committee.

The committee vote

A motion to grant the application in accordance with the officer recommendation was proposed, seconded and carried unanimously.

“The motion to GRANT the application in accordance with the officer recommendation was proposed by Councillor Fitzsimons and seconded by Councillor Redfern.”

“The motion to GRANT the application was put to the vote and carried unanimously.”

Minutes