Policy information sourced from the Sutton Local Plan 2016-2031

10: Loss of Housing and Conversions

a. The council will resist the loss of residential accommodation. A loss may only be acceptable where:

  1. The loss is part of an application which results in better-designed, higher-quality new housing.
  2. The loss will result in the provision of an essential community facility, where a specific need has been identified and the facility cannot be provided on another site nearby.

b. The council will grant planning permission for development involving the conversion of existing dwellings to provide new self-contained housing units, provided that:

  1. The proposal is within one of the Areas of Potential Intensification.
  2. The Gross Internal Area of the dwelling considered for conversion is at least 125m2 (excluding extensions, garages and loft space).
  3. The proposal has no adverse impact on the amenity of neighbouring properties.
  4. The proposal does not detract from the character and appearance of the area, particularly when proposed in Conservation Areas and Areas of Special Local Character.
  5. The dwellings proposed meet the Mayor’s internal space standards.
  6. The proposal does not adversely affect on-street parking.

c. Proposals for and extensions which result in an increase in residents to large houses in multiple occupation (seven people or more) will be permitted, provided that the proposal:

  1. Is a detached property and the proposed new units will share facilities and have a joint access.
  2. Is within one of the Areas of Potential Intensification.
  3. Has no adverse impact on the amenity of neighbouring properties.
  4. Does not detract from the character and appearance of the area, particularly when proposed in Conservation Areas and Areas of Special Local Character.
  5. Meets the Mayor’s internal space standards.
  6. Does not adversely affect on-street parking.

d. Proposals for new large houses in multiple occupation (HMO, seven people or more) will be permitted, provided that the proposal does not lead to a concentration of HMOs in the vicinity where the cumulative effect of the HMOs harms the character of the area. Concentration which harms the area will be considered as where more than 20% of properties 100 metres either side of the proposal site are HMOs, with an HMO defined as student accommodation, houses recorded or known to be an HMO by the council or properties with a C4 / Sui Generis planning permission.

For Areas of Potential Intensification see Appendix 1, Maps 1.1 to 1.8 and Policies Map.

For Conservation Areas and Areas of Special Local Character see Appendix 8, Maps 8.8 to 8.46 and Policies Map.

For more information please see the Local Plan 2016-2031