Earlier this year, a planning application was submitted to Sutton Council to increase the number of rooms in the HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) at 37 Longfield Avenue in Hackbridge.
The HMO currently has seven residents across seven rooms, with plans to expand to nine rooms and residents.
To accommodate the extra residents, the application proposes converting the ground-floor dining room and reception area into two new en-suite bedrooms.
According to the planning statement, the dining room would become Room 8, while the reception would be turned into Room 9.
The developers say that the overall objective of the development is for the provision of quality housing in Sutton, whilst enriching and “not disrupting” the character of Longfield Avenue.
The property is a two-and-a-half-storey semi-detached house with a back garden and an outbuilding, based on Longfield Avenue in Hackbridge.
The area is mostly made up of similar houses and is close to green spaces like Hackbridge Pocket Park and Felnex Park.
The site has a Public Transport Accessibility Level (PTAL) rating of 2, which means it has a below-average level of access to public transport.
However, Hackbridge Station is just a six-minute walk away, and several bus stops are within walking distance.
Local schools, shops and GP surgeries are also close by and can be reached quickly by bike.
The house sits in an area the council has marked for possible growth, meaning developments that increase housing might be supported.
However, residents of Longfield Avenue have objected to the planning application, with zero supporters coming forward.
Resident Dr Dieudonne Birahinduka commented: “We see already increased activity to this property, which has significantly changed the calm and harmonious life on this road.
“Adding more rooms means more people living at this property and increase in activities and more likely noise in a relatively quiet road.”
The doctor described the plans as “excessive” and shared how his elderly neighbours will be disturbed by this.
Mr Riaz Hossenbux also objected, saying: “What was once a quiet residential street has become a hub of activity centred around this property.
“There is frequent foot traffic in and out of the house, with residents often sitting on the wall outside.
“Takeaway delivery mopeds arrive daily, and contractors regularly attend the property.
“This is a significant departure from the original character of a quiet, semi-detached family home.”
Mrs Sharon Dale shared her neighbours’ sentiments, adding that she had “serious safety concerns” and that increasing the number of occupants would only heighten her and her family’s anxiety.
Mrs Lesley English also objected, saying: “It is over occupancy of a residential three bed dwelling that has not given any consideration to the neighbours or surrounding area.
“The road is now within a controlled parking zone with problematic parking and residents now having to pay to park on them on road if they can find a space and the possibility of another nine vehicles will just not work.
“The local area is already saturated with New Mill Quarter and new flats being squeezed onto an old car park in Elm Road making Hackbridge a very unpleasant place to live now.”
Despite the objections, the developers say the changes meet, and even go beyond, the required housing standards.
They said: “The proposal is consistent with national and local planning policies on sustainable housing, transport, waste management, fire safety, and environmental quality, reinforcing its role in delivering high-quality living accommodation.
“The scheme maintains the original external fabric from previously approved works, ensures adequate natural light, ventilation, and privacy, and is carefully designed to prevent any adverse impact on neighbouring dwellings, particularly by maintaining separation from party walls.”
Sutton Council will make a final decision later this month.
