Shooters Hill in Plumstead will see a six-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) approved, despite significant objections from residents concerning parking, amenity, and the concentration of HMOs in the area. The decision was made by Greenwich Council's Local Planning Committee on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
The conversion of the property at 61 Shooters Hill, Plumstead, SE18 3RL, will involve the erection of a rear dormer and a single-storey rear extension. The application had garnered 58 objections from local residents, with Councillor Tamasin Rhymes also raising concerns.
Objectors highlighted severe parking issues, road safety risks near schools, and the detrimental effect on the character of the Edwardian properties and a nearby Grade II listed building. For the six-bedroom HMO at 61 Shooters Hill, the proposal is car-free, with officers finding no unacceptable impact on parking. This approach contrasts with other applications discussed, such as at 48 Welton Road, where a decision was deferred due to concerns about the car parking survey, necessitating a revised survey. For 74 Purrett Road, a parking survey was deemed acceptable, and officers found sufficient capacity, while for 73 Roydene Road, a parking survey was also considered acceptable, with officers noting bus routes for wider transport connections.
William Virtue, a senior fire safety officer and resident of 59 Shooters Hill, expressed concerns about the adequacy of the utilities and sewage system for six bathrooms, six showers, and a kitchen being used simultaneously, potentially increasing the risk of blockages and disruption.
However, the applicant's agent, Luke McBrattney, stated that the HMO would house vulnerable tenants identified by the council and would be managed by a reputable company with a 24-hour contact line. While the meeting information does not detail specific measures to ensure adherence to the 24-hour contact line commitment beyond these statements and the imposition of conditions, it was noted that for 48 Welton Road, the agent stated their client directly works with Greenwich Council and provides 24-hour care and an emergency contact line to residents and neighbours. Environmental Health requested an acoustic assessment, which the applicant agreed to.
The committee ultimately approved the application with Councillor Pat Greenwell and Councillor Jummy Dawodu voting against it. The decision comes amidst ongoing debate about the increasing number of HMOs in the borough and their impact on local communities.
Further details on the committee's decisions and the reports considered can be found in the Agenda frontsheet and the Public reports pack for the meeting.
