Greenwich Council Approves HMO Plans in South London Despite Local Opposition
Greenwich Council has approved the change of a single-family home at 17 Moordown, Woolwich into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). Many local people worry about the impact on their community. In this decision, the council connects a plan for extra occupancy with strong local reactions.
The Controversial Approval
The council now allows a sixth tenant in the house. About 50 local residents join in objecting. They express fears of more traffic, higher noise, and tenant conflicts. Last December, a similar plan approved the change of the same home to fit five occupants. On April 22, 2025, at the planning meeting, people near the home spoke out. Michael O’Sullivan, a local resident, noted that his neighbors feel stressed. He said, "Nobody in our stretch of the road wants this HMO… People are very stressed and they are fearful of what’s coming down the line for them."
Helen Palmer, another resident, felt that families and multiple tenants do not fit well together. She added that the sound and actions from some tenants disturb the peace of families, especially at night.
The Council’s Justification
Even with many objections, planning officers supported the application. They tie the need for more local housing to the plan without a clear loss of neighborhood life quality. Council Member Asli Mohammed mentioned that the plan meets the rules. She did note the plan did not connect enough with the local voices. Some others on the council, like Cllr Pat Greenwell, linked the limits of the home with the emotional pain the residents felt. Greenwell said, "people are going to have their amenity destroyed because of this HMO… their lives destroyed." His words won applause from neighbors who spoke out at the meeting.
Rationale Behind HMO Growth
The need to add HMOs comes from a city housing crisis that calls for more ways to live. The plan to add extra tenants here shows a link between more housing and the stress it leaves in close communities. Local residents fight to keep family homes in the South London borough. Council member Mohammed shared, “We are losing family homes that we really can’t afford to lose.” Her words show a call for a careful mix of plans that meet housing needs and keep neighborhood peace.
Conclusion
The plan to add a sixth person at 17 Moordown shows a divide in views. Some see HMO plans as a response to a housing shortage, while others see them as a change that brings stress to community life. As more applications to change single-family homes come forward, similar talks will join the local debate between planners, builders, and residents.
For those who invest in property or plan HMOs, this case shows how the feelings of local people connect with housing plans. HMOs may help with housing shortages but also bring new points for discussion about neighborhood well-being.
Sources:
- MyLondon – South London HMO Plans Approved
- Get West London – Neighbours Warn Over Mental Health Problems
Disclaimer: This article has been generated by AI based on the latest news from Google News sources. While we strive for accuracy, we recommend verifying key details from official reports.
