Four-bedroom HMO at 76 Riverdale Road, Plumstead, London SE18

What was proposed

The application sought a four-bedroom, five-person HMO, rear extension, dormer, rooflights, cycle storage, refuse storage and associated works.

“ITEM NO: 8 5.1 Planning permission is sought for the Change of use from an existing dwelling (Use Class C3) to a 4-bed, 5-person HMO (Use Class C4), in addition to the construction of a single-storey rear extension, rear dormer, rooflights, provision of cycle and refuse storage and all other associated works (revised description and drawings).”

“The third floor would feature a one-person bedroom contained within the dormer and would benefit from an en-suite. The drawings indicate that four bins would be located to the front of the property and a cycle store would be located within the rear garden. The bike storage would provide 5 cycle spaces.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

A certificate of lawfulness was approved, while two prior approval applications for a six-metre rear extension were refused.

“App Number: 25/3610/CP Decision: Approved Decision Date: 10/12/2025 Address: RIVERDALE ROAD, PLUMSTEAD, LONDON, SE18 1PB. Description: Certificate of Lawfulness (Proposed) is sought for Single-storey rear extension, rear dormer extension with front roof lights…”

“App Number: 25/3609/PN1 Decision: Refused Decision Date: 04/12/2025 Address: RIVERDALE ROAD, PLUMSTEAD, LONDON, SE18 1PB. Description: Prior Approval for the construction of a single storey rear extension which will extend beyond the rear wall of the original dwelling by 6.00m, for which the maximum height will be 2.20m and the height at the eaves will be 2.20m Reason for Refusal 1 The proposed extension, due to its excessive depth and height, would result in an…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A resident spoke against the application, and the applicant’s agent explained the management plan and arrangements for tenants, cleaning and refuse.

The committee’s vote

The chair’s recommendation to grant permission received two votes in favour and one abstention.

“The Chair put the recommendation to grant Planning Permission to the vote and with…”

Minutes

The decision

Full planning permission was granted for the HMO, extensions and associated works, subject to conditions and possible minor wording changes.

“Resolved that full planning permission is GRANTED for the change of use from existing single-family dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a Change of use from an existing dwelling (Use Class C3) to a 4-bed, 5-person HMO (Use Class C4), in addition to the construction of a single-storey rear extension, rear dormer, rooflights, provision of cycle and refuse storage and all other associated works.”

“That the Assistant Director (Planning & Building Control) is authorised 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.”

Minutes