Havering Council's Planning Committee has approved a controversial retrospective planning application for amendments to extensions at 114 Diban Avenue, Hornchurch, by a narrow margin of 3 to 2. The decision allows for internal and external changes to previously approved extensions, but concerns remain about the property's potential misuse.

During a meeting on Thursday, February 12, 2026, councillors debated the application, which sought to regularise alterations including the addition of a playroom, bathroom, and shower, as well as modifications to window designs and roof slopes. The application was called in by Councillor Barry Mugglestone due to worries about potential misuse of the property.

Council officers presented the case, stating that the amendments were considered minor and did not significantly harm the character and appearance of the site or the wider area, nor create highways or parking issues. They emphasised that the application was for internal changes to a single-family dwelling and not a material change of use. Officers confirmed that observations from site visits revealed the property is currently occupied by a family, is paying council tax as a dwelling house, and has been found to be used as such on recent visits. It does not hold a license for a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).

However, significant concerns were raised by Councillor Matthew Stanton and members of the public regarding the potential for the property to be used as an HMO or for other purposes beyond a single-family dwelling. Mrs. Diana Pitchford, speaking on behalf of residents, highlighted the owner's history of seeking retrospective approval, stating that the owner does not respect rules and regulations and only seeks approval retrospectively. The meeting information also notes an enforcement case (ENF/179/24) related to building not in accordance with plans, and a withdrawn planning application (P1517.24) for a retrospective change of use to an Airbnb. Mrs. Pitchford also stated that the floor plans submitted were incorrect, claiming a room at the end of the hallway was not shown, a dining area was misrepresented, and that existing residents currently sleep in the two front downstairs rooms these rooms contain a double bed and a wardrobe however these are listed as a playroom and spare room with table and chairs on the plans .

Councillor Stephanie Nunn, speaking on behalf of Councillor Mugglestone, echoed these worries, highlighting the property's past alleged misuse, including being advertised as an Airbnb and potentially used as a mini hotel come function suite, and its impact on local residents through concerns about noise, loud music, and lack of privacy for adjoining neighbours.

Councillor Robby Misir voiced his reservations, stating, I can't see that one family living there would need this number of bathrooms. The retrospective application sought to regularise internal changes including the addition of a playroom, bathroom, and shower, and a bedroom and a bathroom on the first floor. The case officer stated that overall planning permission was previously granted for a five-bedroom house and the key changes made have not resulted in any additional bedrooms.

Officers clarified that a change of use to an HMO would require separate planning permission due to an Article 4 Direction in place in Havering, which restricts permitted development rights for such changes. Specifically, in Havering, changing a property to a six-person HMO requires planning permission.

To address concerns about future use, the committee agreed to add an informative note to the decision notice. This note will explicitly state that any change of use to an HMO or a hotel-type use would constitute a breach of planning control and require planning permission. A condition was also imposed requiring the external walls of the extension to be rendered within nine months of the decision date, addressing the fact that the side extension had been finished in brickwork instead of the approved render.

The committee ultimately approved the application, with the addition of the informative note. The previous planning permission for extensions under reference P0047.23 still stands, and the current application regularises deviations from those approved plans. The full details of the committee report can be found here.