Planning Refusal for HMO Above Former Pub in Romford
Local officials rejected plans to change a flat above the old Durham Arms pub into an HMO. The flat, with three bedrooms, aimed to house five people but did not meet living standards. Here, each word pairs with its neighbor, making the meaning clear.
Overview of the Proposal
In July 2024, a new application arrived. The flat on Brentwood Road sits above the pub. The paper first asked for a three-person HMO. After a visit, it was adjusted to add more space for five residents. The changes brought new issues. The flat’s set-up did not match required standards.
Concerns Raised
The planning officer listed several issues. The report stated that the flat lacked a proper dining area. One room served as a living space instead of a bedroom. The living room became a second bedroom. The flat has two small bedrooms that fail size rules. These gaps made the flat a poor place to live.
Local safety also came under review. One ward councillor from St Albans spoke up to reject the plans. Some fear the change could hurt the nearby public house. Officials also saw that the flat did not clearly separate from the pub building. This mix may affect the pub’s daily use.
Future Implications
The decision adds to challenges in the housing market. Changing a place with one use to another is hard. The Durham Arms closed in 2019. Other ideas to make it a shop or cafe did not work. An investigation that began in May 2024 still looks into the HMO use of the flat. The case stays under watch.
Conclusion
The rejection of the Durham Arms flat as a five-person HMO shows key points in urban housing and quality. For investors in shared living spaces, knowing the local rules and community needs is key. The decision reminds all who invest to check all details in a project. Keeping minds on local rules and living standards helps reach fair outcomes in property work.
