Biggin Hill residents are calling for plans to convert family homes in the area into multiple flats to be subject to planning approval.

Developments which create multiple occupancy homes (HMOs) do not require planning permission, since they are covered by permitted development rights, which allow property owners to alter buildings within certain limits.

After plans to build at least ten HMOs locally emerged, residents launched a petition calling for the application of an urgent Article 4 direction, which would allow the council to withdraw specified permitted development rights in the area for the benefit of the community.

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Lauren Whiting, 38, who created the petition, said: "As a community we are concerned that we have now multiple HMOs in small residential streets and, as the process currently stands, it leaves us open to more.

"Where the current HMOs are granted parking is already over congested and there is no easy accessible public transport links.

"We have a non operational police office with little cover.

"Services that the proposed tenants of the HMO’s require, Biggin Hill does not have."

An Article 4 direction can be invoked by a council to withdraw permitted development rights over a specific area.

Lewisham Council voted to introduce an Article 4 direction across conservation areas in 2019, following a resident-led campaign which sought to protect local heritage.

If granted, HMO developments in Biggin Hill would have to go through planning process, which would allow community engagement through consultation.

The decision whether to grant the application or not would ultimately be made by council officials.

Local ward councillors have joined the calls, submitting a request to the council for the application of an Article 4 direction.

Independent Biggin Hill councillor Melanie Stevens said: “We welcome and support that HMO’s play a valuable role in meeting distinct needs within a community.

“However, any conversion from a family dwelling house should be done with sympathy to the local surroundings and to achieve high quality living standards.  

“Careful thought need to be given to the numbers and density of HMO’s to ensure that a balance is struck to meet all the needs of local residents while maintaining the local character and community spirit.  

“As local Ward Councillors we have submitted a request to the Council for the application of an urgent Article 4 Direction to remove Permitted Development Rights as a way of controlling this type of conversion.  

“We continue to work with residents and management companies to achieve a balance and well maintained properties.”

A council spokesperson said: “Whilst the numbers of HMOs in Biggin Hill are actually very low, it would be wrong to pre-empt the outcome of any petition and we will of course consider any petition if or when it is formally presented to us in line with the Council’s petition scheme.

“It should be noted however that the principle and definitions of an HMO are established in law as part of the Housing Act and it’s important to acknowledge that there are several categories of HMO, and that not all of them require a license under the mandatory scheme or planning consent.

"Only those that fall under the aforementioned regulatory regimes will be subject to the associated scrutiny that accompanies the applications.”