Last year, a number of local residents contacted us about a proposal for a ‘house of multiple occupation’ (HMO) at 1A South Walk. In case you haven’t seen it, we’re sharing the latest news from the Planning Inspectorate: The Appeal Inspector has refused the application.
What was the proposal?
The documents for the proposal can be seen on the Bromley planning applications website. In short, the proposal was to change an existing bungalow from a single residence to a 6 person House of Multiple Occupation (HMO).
According to the government’s website, a property is considered a large HMO if both of the following apply:
- at least 5 tenants live there, forming more than 1 household
- they share toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities with other tenants
Large HMOs need a licence from the local council. Visit the government’s website to find out more about HMOs.
Why was the proposal refused?
Again, the full documents are hosted on the Bromley Planning Application website.
The main issues they considered were:
- Whether the scale and nature of the use would provide a high standard of amenity for the future occupiers – the comments indicate that the Inspector had concerns about the living environment for occupiers
- The effect on the character of the area – the comments indicate that the Inspector did not agree that the HMO would have a negative effect on the area
- The effect on living conditions of occupiers of neighbouring properties – again, the comments indicate that the Inspector did not agree that the HMO would have a negative effect on neighbouring properties
Ultimately, the Inspector’s main concern was that the environment inside the building would not be of a high enough standard to provide a good quality of life for the people who would be living there, so it was refused.
How do you find out about planning applications or appeal them?
The Bromley Planning website gives you access to local planning applications. As well as viewing the full details, you can also comment on applications – and if you need to, either appeal or comment on an appeal.
Visit gov.uk for more information about how to appeal a planning decision.
Coney Hall Village Residents' Association (CHVRA) 