Plans to convert a property in Croydon into a 12-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO) have faced scrutiny from local councillors, who raised concerns about overcrowding, inadequate bin provision, and the loss of a family home.
The Croydon Council Planning Sub-Committee met on 14 August 2025, to discuss the application for 14 Stafford Road. Councillors Rowenna Davis and Ellily Ponnuthurai objected to the proposal, citing concerns about the size of the kitchen areas, which they said lacked windows, and the potential for overcrowding. Councillor Ponnuthurai said that the kitchen areas were extremely small
and that the ground and loft floors had no windows.
The planning officer's report acknowledged the objections but noted that the existing property is a five-bedroom unit with approximately 337sqm of internal floor space. The officer stated that the application proposal would not result in the loss of a three-bedroom home or a home smaller than 130sqm and therefore complies with policy DM1.2 of the Croydon Local Plan 2018. The planning officer's report states that planning policy DM1.2 of the Croydon Local Plan seeks to retain three-bedroom homes (as originally constructed) or housing smaller than 130sqm. Item 5.2 14 Stafford Road Croydon.pdf
Transport for London (TfL) initially suggested the provision of one disabled bay car parking with active EV charging, but later accepted the removal of the car parking space, aligning with the policy position of car-free developments for sui generis residential uses.
During the meeting, Councillor Michael Neill, Chair of the Planning Subcommittee, opened the floor for discussion. Councillor Lara Fish raised a question about bedroom 12, noting that it was less than the minimum stealing up. Ross Gentry, Central Area Team Leader, clarified that while bedroom 12 did not meet the 75% requirement, it was over the 10 square metres, which is why it was OK.
Councillor Humayun Kabir raised concerns about fire safety, asking, If they are, is it, uh, under the fire safety agreement, are you having a kitchen on the roof level?
Ross Gentry responded that the HMO team reviewed this and were happy, and that they had submitted a fire statement and they were happy with it.
Councillor Sean Fitzsimons said that the housing crisis has meant that there is demand for HMO accommodation. He said, this house is a symptom of the housing crisis. And we've, so we've got lots of young people and in some cases, not so young people, desperate need of accommodation.
Ultimately, the planning officer's report recommended that the committee resolve to grant planning permission, subject to a legal agreement to secure planning obligations including restriction of access for residents to parking permits and removal of front cross over and curb reinstatement. The removal of the front cross over and curb reinstatement is expected to result in some betterment there in terms of the visual appearance.
The planning permission for the HMO at 14 Stafford Road was granted subject to a legal agreement to secure planning obligations including restriction of access for residents to parking permits and removal of front cross over and curb reinstatement. The restriction of access for residents to parking permits will be secured through a legal agreement.
The committee voted to grant the application, with conditions. Councillor Michael Neill, confirmed that the committee resolved to grant the application at 14 Stafford Road Croydon.
