Wandsworth Council's Planning Applications Committee has approved the conversion of a nine-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) into a single-family dwelling, subject to conditions ensuring no net loss of HMO accommodation within the borough. The decision, made on Thursday, August 20, 2026, allows for the conversion of the property at 32 Nightingale Lane, SW12 8TD, into a single-family home.

The approval is contingent on a Section 106 legal agreement. This agreement stipulates that the change of use from HMO to single dwelling at Nightingale Lane will not occur until a previously approved 12-bedroom HMO development at 66 Fairfield Street, SW18 1DY, has been implemented and occupied. Furthermore, the agreement requires suitable proof of an HMO licence for the Fairfield Street development. The overarching purpose of this agreement is to ensure no net loss of HMO floorspace within the borough, aligning with Policy LP29.B.2 of the Wandsworth Local Plan Partial Review (2026), which mandates that adequate replacement HMO provision be secured.

The Fairfield Street development, approved under planning reference 2026/1960 on July 28, 2026, has an internal floorspace of 290 square metres. The conversion of the nine-bedroom HMO at 32 Nightingale Lane, which has a gross internal floor space of 264.5 square metres, would therefore result in a surplus of 25.5 square metres of HMO floorspace in the borough. While the meeting information does not provide a specific timeline for the implementation and occupation of the Fairfield Street development, nor details on its current implementation status beyond its approval, officers noted that the approved development at Fairfield Street would result in a net increase of HMO floorspace within the borough.

Exterior view of the community building at 5 Beechcroft Road, SW17 7BU, adjacent to a white church-like structure.
Exterior view of the community building at 5 Beechcroft Road, SW17 7BU, adjacent to a white church-like structure.

Councillor Will Sweet questioned the policy, describing it as a bit strange to link two separate applications. Councillor Tony Belton expressed concern about the potential loss of HMOs if there was a desperate shortage, stating he would be inclined to refuse such applications.

The property at 32 Nightingale Lane would undergo only internal alterations, with no external changes proposed. It also benefits from a 165 square metre private garden.

For more details, refer to the Public reports pack 20th Aug 2026 Planning Applications Committee.