In proposals submitted to Barking and Dagenham Council by agent Nihila Maruthayanar of Marood Architects in September, applicant Kazi Rahman asked for consent to convert the house into Alfred’s Gardens into nine individually rented bedrooms with shared kitchen space.
But after three of 12 neighbours objected to the scheme, planning officers refused them under delegated powers on October 22, saying it would result in the loss of a family-size house and criticising the size of some rooms.
In a summary of responses from neighbours, officers said there was concern about “noise and disturbance” as well as the “stability, cohesion and character of the local community”.
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One neighbour mentioned the history of the property being rented out to groups of young tenants who were “loud, brought disruption and had lots of visitors”, and fears of a “similar impact” if the application was approved.
Several neighbours mentioned parking concerns, given existing restrictions, and one feared fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour.
The plans were also criticised by the planning department for the “quality of accommodation” with two bedrooms highlighted as not meeting minimum size standards set out in the east London HMO guidance.
The report said: “It would not present a suitable quality of accommodation specifically for an HMO and would present harm to the the amenity of neighbouring properties.
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“As such, the proposal is considered to have a detrimental impact on the borough’s housing supply.”
The decision cited a report showing a need for family housing in the borough and the loss of such housing through conversions to HMOs.
It also explained that the application fails to demonstrate that it meets an identified need for HMO housing, and an ability to accommodate more cars and provide an increase in parking spaces.
