Planners have deferred a decision on a proposed six-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in Plumstead due to significant concerns over parking, kitchen facilities, and sound insulation.
The application for 48 Welton Road, Plumstead, London, SE18 2JF, which also included plans for a rear extension and loft conversion, was discussed at a Greenwich Local Planning Committee meeting on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
Councillors expressed unease that the existing overnight parking survey, which covered all parking spaces within 200 meters of the site over two nights and found at least 33% availability, did not adequately address potential parking pressures during daytime hours. Councillor Izzy Cooke highlighted that concerns about parking here are, they're not hypothetical.
She elaborated that both she and Councillor Murrow had raised car parking pressure on Welton Road and Swingate Lane prior to this application, noting, There's not enough parking for the staff, so the staff at the school don't have staff parking, so they park on the streets.
Willow Dene School's proximity was identified as a key factor exacerbating daytime parking issues.
Councillor Jo van den Broek proposed the deferral, which was seconded by Councillor Pat Greenwell, to allow for a comprehensive daytime parking survey to be conducted. The planning officer confirmed that while the existing survey showed available space, a daytime survey would be a matter for members to consider as a reason for deferral.
The site currently has two off-street parking spaces proposed, which the Highways Officer had no objections to, given that HMO occupants often trend away from private car ownership. The report for 48 Welton Road notes that the site has a PTAL (Public Transport Accessibility Level) rating of 1b, indicating poor public transport accessibility. Crucially, the available on-street parking is not subject to any restrictions and the site sits outside of a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ).
Concerns were also raised regarding kitchen facilities. Councillor Jo van den Broek questioned the requirement for kitchen facilities, stating, I want to ask a question about kitchen facilities. I may have missed this too in other HMO ones but it says in 1112 it says one set of kitchen facilities should be provided for every 5 occupants. But in 1113 it says a 6 person HMO would require one set of kitchen facilities. Well surely it's 2 because we've got more than 5 people. That's bothering me.
The planning officer clarified that while the Royal Borough of Greenwich Standards for Houses in Multiple Occupation (2019) require one set of kitchen facilities with a minimum floor space of 10.5sqm for a six-person HMO, and the proposed kitchen at 48 Welton Road was 20.3sqm, the number of sets of kitchen equipment is assessed at the HMO licensing stage. The applicant's agent stated that details of necessary equipment would be provided during the building control and license application phase.
Regarding sound insulation, Councillor Jo van den Broek inquired about the location of en-suites, particularly those on dividing walls, due to potential noise from toilet flushing. The planning officer confirmed there would be two en-suites, one in the loft and one on the first floor. The applicant's agent indicated plans for extra sound insulation, with details to be provided during the building control phase. A condition has been recommended requiring a revised HMO Management Plan to include Details of a 24-hour emergency telephone number to be utilised by residents of neighbouring properties should any concerns from noise nuisance or other nuisance arise.
The decision was deferred to allow for further investigation into these critical areas before a final determination can be made.
