Seven-person HMO at 299 Feltham Hill Road, Ashford

What was proposed

The application sought a roof extension and two dormers to convert a dwelling into a seven-person house in multiple occupation.

“Application No. 25/00710/FUL Site Address 299 Feltham Hill Road, Ashford Applicant [name withheld] Proposed roof extension with ridge height increase and 2 no. side-facing dormers to facilitate a change of use from a single dwelling (Use Class C3) to a house in multiple occupancy for 7 occupants (HMO) - Sui Generis).”

“Application Dates Valid: 30.05.2025 Expiry: 20.09.2025 Target: Extension of time agreed to 20.09.2025 Executive Summary The application property is a six bedroom detached bungalow with accommodation in the roof space. There is an outbuilding located in the rear garden. The site is located on the northern side of Feltham Hill Road surrounded by residential properties. There are no relevant planning constraints.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Earlier permissions covered a roof extension, relocating an entrance door and converting the property into two flats.

“25/00587/HOU New roof with increased ridge height and erection of two side dormers to form additional rooms. Grant Conditional 17.07.2025 25/00623/CPD Certificate of lawfulness for proposed relocation of existing entrance door to side extension. Grant 02.07.2025”

“25/00631/FUL Proposed roof extension with ridge height increase and 2 no. side-facing dormers to allow conversion of the existing dwelling house into two residential flats with associated parking and amenity space. Conversion of existing garage to gym/home office. Grant Conditional 18.07.2025”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval, considering the design, communal facilities, garden, neighbouring amenity and parking acceptable.

“The proposal also comprises a roof extension with a ridge height increase and dormers in both side elevations. The proposed roof extension is considered acceptable in design and would not appear out of character in the street scene. It would also have an acceptable…”

“The ground floor layout would provide a kitchen and communal living area. There is also an outbuilding for communal use and large rear garden. It is considered that this would provide an adequate level of amenity for future occupiers.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

Highways and environmental health raised no objection, while seven letters objected over behaviour, parking, intensification, design and housing concerns.

“Non-Statutory Consultees Consultee Comment Environment Health – Contamination No objection subject to dust/asbestos informative. Environmental Health Officer (HMO) No objection…”

“- Concerns about anti-social behaviour from occupants - Concerns about landlords not managing properties properly - Experiencing anti-social behaviour from existing nearby HMO’s including noise and litter. - HMO accommodation has a detrimental impact on the social environment.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A speaker supported the proposal, while the ward councillor opposed it on housing, parking, amenity, noise and neighbourhood impact grounds.

The vote and decision

The committee voted eight for, one against and four abstentions, with the ward councillor not voting, and approved the application subject to conditions.

“The Committee voted on the motion as follows:”

“Approved subject to conditions set out in the report.”

Minutes