The Royal Borough of Greenwich Local Planning Committee met to discuss several planning applications, including proposed houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and alterations to existing structures. A decision on one HMO was deferred, while permission was granted for others, subject to specific conditions.

Planning Decisions

47 Speranza Street, Plumstead - Ref: 24/3752/F

A decision on this application for the change of use of an existing dwelling to a five-bed HMO, in addition to construction of a single-storey rear extension, loft conversion and rear dormer, was deferred. Councillors wanted the applicant to attend a future meeting to answer questions about potential design alterations that might make the application more acceptable to neighbouring properties.

40 Arbroath Road, Eltham - Ref: 25/0497/F

The committee approved the application for the change of use of a dwelling to a six-bedroom HMO, including a dormer extension and conversion of the garage to a communal kitchen. This was despite 23 objections.

Objectors raised concerns about:

• The property being an unsuitable location due to poor transport access.
• The design of the rear dormer.
• The impact on residential amenity.
• The kitchen not meeting HMO standards.

The committee approved the application subject to conditions, including a construction management plan, health and safety measures, asbestos management, fire management, a management plan, and community engagement.

54 Tormount Road, Plumstead - Ref: 25/0563/F

The committee approved an application to change the use of a single-family dwelling into a six-bedroom HMO, despite local objections.

Objectors voiced concerns about:

• The impact on the character of the happy and thriving, primarily family-based and long-term resident community of Tormount Road.
• The small bedrooms and lack of living room.
• Increased traffic, pollution and parking demands.
• Potential health hazards and environmental issues from bins.

The committee approved the application with added conditions around construction management, health and safety, asbestos, fire management, a management plan, community engagement, and the location of bin storage.

16 Montbelle Road, Eltham - Ref: 25/0277/F

The committee refused an application for the change of use from a single dwellinghouse to an eight-unit large HMO, citing over-intensification, noise and disturbance to neighbouring properties, and the impact on parking.

Councillor Matt Hartley, one of the ward councillors, objected to the proposal, stating that the destruction of family neighbourhoods was a concern.

Land on Cartridge Place Between Buildings 17 and 19, Woolwich - Ref: 21/3354/L & 21/3355/MA

The committee approved both the listed building consent and the planning permission for the retention of a single-storey building on Cartridge Place for a temporary period, providing internal circulation, a front of house, a box office, and supporting functions ancillary to the use of Buildings 17 and 19¹, and the relocation of motorcycle bays.

The approval allows for an extension of the temporary consent until 5 September 2028, to accommodate time lost due to construction delays during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Other Matters Discussed

Apologies for Absence

The committee received apologies from Councillor Dave Sullivan, Councillor Sam Littlewood, and Councillor Raja Zeeshan. Councillor Lakshan Saldin attended as a deputy.

Urgent Business

An officer's addendum regarding land at Cartridge Place was published and circulated. Public submissions were received regarding items 5, 7, and 9.

Declarations of Interest

There were no declarations of interest.

Minutes

The minutes of the previous meeting on 25 February 2025 were approved as read.