Plans to change a Sidcup property into a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) have been refused after backlash from neighbours and councillors.

The proposals were met with objections from 39 residents and ward councillors, and a petition totalling 40 signatures.

Bexley council refused the HMO plans on March 1, saying they would likely cause an "unacceptable impact" on neighbours.

The planning application, lodged on January 2, intended to convert a two-storey, family home in Gordon Road into a HMO that would house a maximum of six people.

The plans also included changing the arrangement of the windows on the building and the installation of solar panels.

The mid-terrace property, located on the north-west side of Gordon Road, is surrounded mainly by residential properties.

While not listed or situated within a conservation area, the building is under a borough-wide article 4 order, meaning any change from Class C3 (a single family dwelling) to Class C4 (a HMO) requires planning permission.

The objections included concerns that the change of use would add to existing parking pressures, lead to the loss of a much-needed family home in Bexley, or increase the chances of anti-social behaviour and crime.

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There were also worries about potential noise pollution, the strain on local services, and fears that such development could trigger more HMOs on the street in the future.

Some neighbours said that they did not "wish to have people who are not home-owners in the street".

Bexley Council refused the application on March 1, citing the lack of communal space and the position of bedroom 1.

These factors would mean that "the proposed HMO would fail to provide an adequate standard of residential accommodation for future occupiers".

The proposals also failed show how potential anti-social behaviour or noise pollution would be dealt with.

The council also noted the lack of waste storage capacity.