Plans for HMO Above Durham Arms Denied Amid Space Concerns
The council has turned down a plan to change a flat. The flat sits above the former Durham Arms in Romford. The plan would convert a three-bedroom flat into a home for five. The council saw tight spaces and poor room sizes in the plan.
Overview of the Proposal
A representative sent in the plan in July 2024. The flat on Brentwood Road was first meant for three people. A site check then shifted the plan to host five. The check revealed serious issues with the space.
Insufficient Living Space Identified
A planning officer wrote a brief report. The report states the flat shows no dining area in the common room. The officer saw that the layout does not match the plans. One spot marked as a bedroom is used as a lounge. The shared space is turned into an extra bedroom. Two small bedrooms meant for two people fall short of the space needed. The officer says the room setup gives a poor living space that may hurt residents.
Community Safety Concerns
Local voices worry for safety. A councillor spoke up about the tight spaces. This worry led to a closer look at the plan. The council’s decision fits the aim to keep public spaces safe.
Implications for Local Development
The pub has been closed since 2019. People tried to change its space into a restaurant or shop, but these plans have not worked well. The refusal of the HMO plan helps stop a change that might harm the old look of the pub. The report also notes that evidence is weak on whether the flat has been formally detached from the pub. This fact makes future plans for the pub and home formations uncertain.
Future Considerations
The case now faces an enforcement check. This examination looks at the rules for changing a home into an HMO. There is also a second flat above the Durham Arms. Both spots still need clear ties to the pub’s ground floor and clear rules on their use.
Summary
The five-person plan above the Durham Arms has been turned down. This step shows the council’s care for safe, good quality homes and public areas. For those who wish to change homes into spaces for more people, this case shows why it is important to follow space rules and local law. As urban housing shifts, owners must watch these rules to meet project goals.
