Greenwich Council's Local Planning Committee has approved two new Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Plumstead and Eltham, despite objections from residents. The decision was made at a meeting on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
Full planning permission was granted for the change of use of 31 Bramblebury Road, Plumstead, to a six-bedroom HMO, including a rear extension and dormer. The committee also approved plans for 47 Arbroath Road, Eltham, to be converted into a six-bedroom HMO, with a rear extension and loft conversion.
For 31 Bramblebury Road, the decision was made despite 21 objections from local residents and a call-in by Councillor Khaireh, who had raised concerns about intensification of use, noise, and parking. The planning report indicated that the proposed dormer was largely permissible under permitted development rights. To address resident concerns, conditions attached to the planning permission include the provision of six cycle parking spaces, management of refuse storage, and a limit on the number of occupants to six persons.
Similarly, at 47 Arbroath Road, the application received 12 objections. The planning report highlighted that the proposed dormer extension was permissible under permitted development rights. The design of the rear extension was considered acceptable in scale and bulk, with minimal visual impact on the adjacent Progress Estate Conservation Area. Conditions imposed for this property include requirements for waste storage, cycle parking, a limit on the number of occupants to six, and restrictions on further development under permitted development rights.
The council determined that both proposed HMOs met 'accommodation standards' by assessing them against the Royal Borough of Greenwich's Standards for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) (2019). For 31 Bramblebury Road, the planning report indicated that bedroom sizes and kitchen facilities met these standards. Similarly, for 47 Arbroath Road, the quality of accommodation, including bedroom sizes and kitchen facilities, was deemed acceptable according to the same standards.
While not part of this specific approval, a report for 48 Welton Road, also in Plumstead, mentioned that a condition was recommended requiring a HMO management plan to be submitted. This plan would detail property management, a 24-hour emergency telephone line for noise concerns, and proposed regular inspections. The report for 48 Welton Road also stated that the standard of accommodation was compliant with the council's HMO guidance and that all bedrooms exceeded the size requirements for single occupiers.
