Councillors are set to approve a controversial plan for a ‘HMO’ in Crayford despite pleas from neighbours that it could result in fly-tipping and vermin in the streets.

A developer plans to renovate a home in Manor Road into a 10-person House of Multiple Occupation (HMO), much to the annoyance of neighbours.

A HMO is a building featuring at least four bedrooms used by unrelated individuals.

A petition against the change has nearly 40 signatures, but planning officers at the council have recommended the scheme be approved at a meeting this week.

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The site, a three-bed semi, would be turned into a house with 10 separate bedrooms and some communal space.

Neighbours say a HMO is “out of character” with the area, and “sets an undesirable precedent”.

Other objections claim the house would create fly-tipping and vermin, and result in overcrowding.

HMOs, which place unrelated people in properties with communal facilities, are seen by some as an answer to the housing crisis – but have a reputation for poor landlord management and nuisance tenants.

The council have approved several HMOs in the last few months, with councillors saying they play an important part in offering housing.

In a new report, officers say the conversion would not have a negative impact on neighbours.

They said: “It is considered that the use of the property as an HMO for up to 10 people will result in no greater impact on surrounding residential amenity than would be anticipated from its former use as a residential dwelling.”

There is no legal limit for the number of HMOs in a specific area, however there are no others near Manor Road.

Councillors will debate the plans at a meeting on Thursday, where they will also decide the future of Belvedere police station and Station Road’s Co-Op in Sidcup.