Policy information sourced from the Hounslow Local Plan Part 1

SC6 - MANAGING BUILDING CONVERSIONS AND SUB-DIVISION OF THE EXISTING HOUSING

Our approach

To manage the conversion of buildings and the subdivision of existing housing stock so as to contribute to housing supply without having an adverse impact of the character of an area, or residents’ amenity.

We will achieve this by

  • Establishing a minimum net original floor area threshold for the conversion of houses to flats;
  • Requiring at least one family-sized unit (two bedroom - four person or more) be provided at ground floor in any residential conversion;
  • Recognising that properties in locations suitable for more intensive household occupancy may be appropriate for conversion to HMO (Policy SC10) or conversion to several flats, other locations will be preferred to remain as family houses or potentially for conversion to flats of a more modest intensity of occupancy;
  • Ensuring all residential conversions maintain the amenity of neighbours and the general character of the surrounding area; and
  • Considering the cumulative impact of the proposed conversion with others in the vicinity of the application site.

We will expect development proposals to

  • Have a minimum 130sqm net original internal floor area to be considered suitable for conversion or subdivision;
  • Provide at least one family-sized unit at ground floor, except in locations not considered suitable for families;
  • Have regard to the internal and external space standards;
  • Provide a good standard of living conditions and amenity for future occupiers in terms of privacy, daylight and outlook;
  • Be of a high quality design and include provision for the storage of waste and recycling; and
  • Ensure that there is no undue loss of amenity for neighbouring occupiers and the surrounding area.

For more information please see the Hounslow Local Plan Part 1