Policy information sourced from the Havering Local Plan

8 Houses in Multiple Occupation

The Council recognises that Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) can make a valuable contribution to the private rented sector by catering for the housing needs of specific groups. This needs to be balanced with the potential harm that can arise from such development if they are not subject to control. The Council will support applications for HMOs where it can be demonstrated that:

  • The overall size of the original property to be converted is not less than 120 sq m;
  • The proposal does not result in more than 10% of properties in one street becoming HMOs (including existing lawful HMOs) or more than two adjacent properties becoming HMOs, thereby undermining the principle of mixed communities;
  • The proposal does not have an adverse impact on the surrounding area and will not be likely to give rise to significantly greater levels of noise and disturbance to occupiers of nearby residential properties than would a single family dwelling of equivalent size;
  • The proposal meets Havering’s parking requirements and it will not have an unacceptable impact on parking conditions and traffic congestion in the area;
  • Adequate, secure and well screened refuse storage is provided within the curtilage of the site and is accessible by all residents;
  • The property contains communal space, including either a dining or living area, large enough for all the dwelling’s occupants to use simultaneously; and
  • The proposal meets the requirements of the East London HMO guidance.

For more information please see the Havering Local Plan