Policy information sourced from Redbridge Local Plan

LP6: Dwelling Conversions, Houses in Multiple Occupation and Buildings in Multiple Residential Occupation

The Council will only support the conversion of larger home(s) into smaller self-contained units (C3) where:

  • It is located in a Metropolitan, District or Local Centres (as identifed in Appendix 6);
  • The gross foor area of the property exceeds 130 sq.m where two units are proposed and exceeds 180 sq.m where three or more units are proposed;
  • No signifcant loss of character or amenity occurs to the area as a result of increased trafc, noise and/or general disturbance;
  • Appropriate car and cycle parking provision are provided in accordance with London Plan standards;
  • It meets the national space standards; and
  • The conversion provides at least one larger family sized home of 74 s.qm (3 bed plus) on the ground foor with access to a dedicated rear garden of the converted home.

The Council will only support the conversion of larger house(s) into Buildings in Multiple Residential Occupation (Sui Generis) where:

  • The gross floor area of the property exceeds 180 sq.m;
  • It meets the requirements of criteria 1 (a), (c) and (d) above; and
  • It provides a Management Plan.

Implementation

In accordance with the Redbridge Housing Strategy 2017-2022, the Council will actively remind landlords of their obligation to obtain a licence for larger Houses in Multiple Occupation. This will be combined with legal action against those who fail to license their properties. The Council will also seek to introduce a discretionary licensing scheme for other HMOs;

The Regeneration, Property and Planning Service in association with the Housing Service will monitor the impact of HMO developments across the borough. If evidence suggests that smaller HMOs (land use class C4) are creating an undue adverse impact on a locality, the Council will consider the use of an Article 4 Direction to remove permitted development rights; and

In accordance with the Redbridge Corporate Strategy 2014-2018, the Council will seek to implement a property licensing scheme to improve the quality of private rented accommodation and address antisocial behaviour.

For more information please see the Local Plan