Councillors have backed plans for two houses of multiple occupancy in Erith despite neighbours’ concerns of rats, mice and anti-social behaviour.

Controversial plans to redevelop a home in Winifred Road into two separate HMOs for 10 new occupants have caused a stir with residents upset with the changes.

A house of multiple occupancy is a building featuring at least four bedrooms used by unrelated individuals.

There are four other HMOs in the area, which according to neighbours are not managing their bins correctly, causing problems with vermin.

A petition has been signed by 16 neighbours who say similar set-ups in the area have created an “unattractive and unhealthy” living environment.

MORE - Bexley housing: Plans for Sidcup HMO approved despite objections

Speaking at the meeting, one resident said the road was already struggling with the impact of other “poorly managed” houses.

Miss Balfour, who lives close to the proposed houses, said: “There isn’t enough room for everyone to live there. I am asking you to emphasise with us who are living there.

“Everybody is amazed that 10 occupants are being proposed – already we are struggling with rats and mice.

“You have a duty to look after us – you don’t have to side with the landlords. We are already struggling.”

Oliver Holland, the developer, said proposals went above and beyond what is required for a HMO to be approved.

He said: “I appreciate the concern about the poor the management of other HMOs on the street.

“We have spent a considerable amount of time on this property to provide decent and well needed accommodation. Twelve years as a HMO landlord tells me that good tenant vetting and management is essential.

“We have had both properties tested for sound pollution and results came back well above the required standard.

“Bexley needs more HMOs. They are an important part of the housing offer reducing pressure from other elements of the housing stock.”

There is no legal limit for the number of HMOs in a specific area.

Councillors backed the scheme last night, which would have one six-bed and one four-bed shared home built despite more than a dozen objections.

Cllr Nicola Taylor, ward councillor, said: “We have to be careful not to conflate HMOs with anti-social behaviour.

“It seems the landlords have taken all the steps to provide good quality accommodation. Sadly they are a fact of life in our housing market.

“It’s sad Winifred Road has a lot of them but we should be encouraging good landlords and good properties – and not fail them on the failings of other properties.”