Six-person HMO conversion at 112 Camdale Road, Plumstead, London SE18

What was proposed

The application proposed converting a single-family dwelling into a six-bedroom, six-person HMO with loft, dormer and single-storey extensions.

“The application seeks a change of single family dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a six bedroom small HMO (Use Class C4) with a maximum capacity of six persons together with the construction of a hip to gable loft conversion and rear dormer with a wraparound side and rear single storey extension.”

“The proposed HMO would contain three bedrooms on the ground floor, two on the first floor and a bedroom within the loft. All bedrooms would be served by an en-suite. The communal kitchen area and dining room is located at ground floor level.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The two-storey semi-detached house has a front garden, driveway, side outbuilding and large rear garden in an Area of Special Character.

“The application site is located on the western side of Camdale Road and comprises of a two-storey, semi-detached dwelling with front garden and driveway to the front, single storey outbuilding to the side and a large rear garden. The property currently benefits from an existing crossover.”

“The immediate vicinity consists of a similar design of dwellings. Land levels fall gently from north to south. The site sits within an Area of Special Character. The area to the immediately to the west contains the Swingate Lane playing fields.”

Officer report

Earlier permission

A certificate of lawful development had approved similar roof and extension works, with the current proposal joining the side and rear extensions.

“The wrap-around side and rear extension would measure 3m in depth from the original rear wall and would measure 9.67m at its widest. The side extension would have a width of 3.2m and would leave a gap of approximately 1.8m from the boundary with no. 110 at the front to allow for an external side access to the rear garden. At its deepest, the side extension and the rear would extend some 11.4m.”

“It should be noted that the dwelling was recently granted a Certificate of Lawful development (CLD) (ref: 25/1685/CP) for a side extension, rear extension, hip to gable loft conversion and rear dormer of similar proportions to the physical works proposed under this application.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the accommodation acceptable and found no unacceptable effects on the building, neighbours, highway network or wider area.

“The proposed development would not result in a significantly detrimental effect on the character and appearance of the application building or the wider area generally.”

“The proposed development would not result in any unacceptable impacts to the local highway network.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A ward councillor and two residents spoke against the proposal, while the applicant’s agent spoke in support.

The vote and decision

The committee voted three in favour and two against, then granted permission subject to conditions and authority for minor condition wording changes.

“The Chair put the recommendation to grant planning consent for a 6 person HMO to the vote with 3 Members in favour 2 Members against 0 Members abstaining…”

“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 report, where the Assistant Director (Planning & Building Control) considers it appropriate, before issuing the decision notice.”

Minutes