A review over the accessibility of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Bexley is under way.

Bexley Council has warned about the growing concerns of HMOs in the area following protests in Sidcup.

The row escalated after The Home Office moved three refugees into a property in Penhill Road on July 7.

A group protested outside the HMO after more people moved into the home without the council’s knowledge.

Groups both for and against the housing rowed over the use of the property, leading to the eviction of over 20 asylum seekers.

Many against the action believed the anti-HMO demonstration was uninformed, claiming inappropriate comments were made during the hour-long protest, including descriptions of the refugees as would-be rapists and terrorists.

This Is Local London:
The house where the refugees in Penhill Road were staying in July

In order to convert your house into an HMO no planning permission is needed.

However, the council is consulting constituents on the introduction of a non-immediate Article 4 Direction, meaning planning permission would be needed.

If the new law change was approved it would be easier for the council to monitor the number of HMOs in the borough and allow it to grant or refuse permission for HMOs in the future.

The decision could come into force by September 24 next year.

A separate consultation on the proposed local licensing scheme has also begun.

The leader of Bexley Council, Cllr Teresa O'Neill, said: "The introduction of an Article 4 Direction isn’t something that we are considering lightly.

"Many other local authorities have already taken this route in their boroughs to make sure smaller HMOs meet set requirements and our reason for doing so is to protect tenants, landlords and the local community.

"We know that the majority of HMOs are legal, well run and above board, but there are some that may put health and safety at risk or may be in a totally unsuitable area without the necessary infrastructure.

"If introduced, the Direction will help us to control and monitor new HMOs, refusing permission where appropriate."

Consultation on the Article 4 Direction will end on November 4.

The consultation is available online at www.bexley.gov.uk/consultation Alternatively you can email your views to SP>eam@bexley.gov.uk or write to the London Borough of Bexley, Strategic Planning & Growth Team, Civic Offices, 2 Watling Street, Bexleyheath, DA6 7AT.

Any correspondence concerning the Article 4 consultation must be received by 5pm on November 4.

A copy of the Article 4 Direction and a map can be viewed during normal office hours at the Civic Offices, 2 Watling Street, Bexleyheath, DA6 7AT, at Bexley libraries or online at www.bexley.gov.uk/hmoarticle4