A PROPOSAL to convert a Southend property into a seven-bedroom house of multiple occupation has been refused by planning officers following strong objections from residents and concerns over living conditions.
Developer Oliver Assets LLC sought permission to turn the property, in Woodgrange Drive, into a large HMO, expanding on an earlier lawful development certificate for a six-bed property.
The plans included seven single-occupancy bedrooms, most with en-suite facilities, and shared kitchen and dining space. Cycle and refuse storage were proposed in the rear garden.
Despite meeting Essex HMO space standards, officers ruled the scheme unacceptable. They cited poor outlooks for several rooms, including bedrooms with windows facing close walls and a layout that left one room reliant on a shower located on a different floor.
These factors were deemed to create “an oppressive environment” and “unacceptable living conditions” for future occupiers.
The decision was welcomed by Matt Dent, Labour councillor for Kursaal Ward, who has campaigned against what he describes as an oversaturation of large HMOs in the area.
He said: “I’m delighted that efforts by myself and Kursaal ward residents have seen the correct decision reached and this application rejected.
“There has been a clear pattern of oversaturation of larger HMOs in the ward, and it has had negative effects on parking, waste, and community cohesion in general.
“Nobody is opposed to HMOs per se, but we need to ensure they are correctly situated and that the full impact they have on a neighbourhood is carefully considered.”
Public consultation drew objections from neighbours, who raised fears about parking pressures, refuse issues, and the impact on community cohesion.
Concerns over antisocial behaviour, property devaluation, and the growing number of HMOs in the area were also highlighted.
Planning officers concluded that the harm “significantly and demonstrably outweighs the benefits” of adding non-self-contained housing, stating the proposal was contrary to local and national planning policies.
The refusal marks a pushback against the rapid growth of HMOs in Southend, as councillors and residents call for tighter controls to balance housing needs with community impact.
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