Sutton Council received an application in October to increase the number of bedrooms at the HMO on 1 Link Lane to eight.
An HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) is a property rented out as a main residence to at least three tenants who form more than one household and share kitchens, bathrooms, and/or toilets.
A formal planning statement hasn’t been made publicly available on the Sutton Council planning portal; however, the application form, which doesn’t hold any personal data, states that the property currently houses six people.
The applicant said that the main escape route, including stairs, hallways, and landings, will be protected with fire-resistant walls, floors, and ceilings.
All doors onto this route will resist fire for 30 minutes, have smoke seals, and close automatically.
The final exit can be opened quickly without a key, and emergency lighting will guide people in the event of a power outage.
Inside, the building will be designed to stop fire spreading between rooms and to protect the escape route.
The house can be easily reached by fire engines, with access from the front and back.
However, not everyone is happy with the plans, and Sutton Council have received 31 objections.
Geraldine Skill said: “Link Lane is a peaceful, residential neighbourhood which thrives on community spirit.
“Families move here due to the locality of the schools, which intensifies the community spirit.
“My primary concern relates to parking and traffic congestion in the area.
“The proposed HMO is likely to significantly increase the number of residents at the property, many of whom may own vehicles.”
Ravi Hungraz said: “The proposal will disrupt the best interest of local residents in terms of safety concerns, anti-social behaviours and congestion issues it will bring; bearing in mind a primary school is also opposite the property.”
Rimple Phillips: “This is a family area, and we do not want this ruined by an 8-bedroom HMO.
“Link Lane and the surrounding area will be ruined, and this HMO does not fit in the area at all.”
Sue Steel: “Link Lane and the surrounding roads are all residential and family housing.
“There is a very family-oriented vibe, where the community all support each other and helps everyone out.
“There is also an infant/junior school right opposite this property, who knows what type of resident could potentially end up living in the HMO.
“I am strongly opposed to the property being converted.”
The application is under “pending consideration”, and Sutton Council will make their decision no later than December 4.
Statements of support or objections can still be submitted until November 11.
