Five-person HMO at 47 Speranza Street, Plumstead, London SE18

What was proposed

The application proposed changing a dwelling into a five-bedroom, five-person HMO, with a rear extension, loft conversion, dormer and associated alterations.

“That Full Planning Permission be granted for: “Change of use from existing dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a 5-bed, 5-person HMO (Use Class C4), in addition to construction of single-storey rear extension, loft conversion and rear dormer and all other associated alterations.”

“To authorise the Assistant Director (Planning & Building Control) to make any minor changes to the detailed wording of the recommended conditions as set out in this report (Appendix 2), where the Assistant Director (Planning & Building Control) considers it appropriate, before issuing the decision notice.”

Officer report

Earlier committee consideration

The application was previously deferred for a site visit and later deferred because the applicant was not present.

“This application was considered at the Local Planning Committee meeting of 25 March 2025 and deferred for a site visit. It was withdrawn from the 10 June 2025 meeting as access to the site had not been possible for the site visit and deferred from the 24 June 2025 meeting, as the applicant was not in attendance.”

“As a new parking survey had been consulted on, as well as proposed drawing revisions, the application was re-opened for public address and consideration by all Local Planning Committee Members.”

Minutes

Residents’ concerns

Residents raised concerns about light, parking, noise, overdevelopment, accommodation quality, antisocial behaviour and the property’s management.

“They note evidence showed the higher number of the occupants in the HMO would lead to more noise, especially at night and during the weekend, so increasing the noise, as well as the potential for antisocial behavior, both of which would disrupt the peace of the existing residents. Given the unrelated nature of the occupants, disagreements can occur and noted that areas with HMO’s experience a higher crime level than those areas without such.”

“One of the speakers raised concerned at the applicant’s management of the property at an HMO, given that they had failure to attend the last two planning meetings and were renting out the property, without connecting the electricity or hot water and with the house in a poor condition.”

Minutes

Who spoke

Four residents spoke against the proposal and the applicant’s agent spoke in support, addressing sunlight, the extension and management arrangements.

Members’ debate

Members discussed neighbouring amenity, overdevelopment, the proposal’s character, permitted development rights and whether the revised design provided a workable compromise.

“A Member noted that this was the third time the application had been presented with concerns raised in respect of loss of light and amenity and that it was out of character. They felt that the applicant had struggled to make the proposal acceptable.”

“The Chair expressed his understanding of the concerns and feelings of neighbours but noted the applicant could build a 3-meter by 3-meter extension under permitted development, which could have a greater impact on neighbours. However, that applicant had come back with a proposal with a reduction in height and a sloped room to reach a compromise against the concerns.”

Minutes

The vote

Four members supported granting permission, one opposed it and none abstained.

“Minutes Local Planning Committee 30 September 2025 Page No. The Chair put the recommendation to grant planning consent to the vote with – 4 Members in favour 1 Member against 0 Members abstained.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee granted full planning permission for the HMO, rear extension, loft conversion, rear dormer and associated alterations.

“That full planning permission be granted for the change of use from existing dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a 5-bed, 5-person HMO (Use Class C4), in addition to construction of single-storey rear extension, loft conversion and rear dormer and all other associated alterations.”

“That the Assistant Director (Planning & Building Control) be authorised to make any minor changes to the detailed wording of the recommended conditions as set out in Appendix 2 of the main report and its addendums, where the Assistant Director (Planning & Building Control) considers it appropriate, before issuing the decision notice.”

Minutes