House in multiple occupation (HMO)
Councils are currently deciding on new Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), often balancing housing provision with resident concerns about parking and intensification.
Croydon's Planning Committee granted permission for a six-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) at 22 Brighton Road in September 2026, with conditions for its management. In August 2026, Sutton Council's Planning Committee refused an application for a 10-room HMO at 48 Hallmead Road, citing concerns over parking pressure and over-intensification following resident objections.
Greenwich Council's Local Planning Committee approved several HMOs in July 2026, including a three-bedroom HMO at 74 Purrett Road and a six-bedroom HMO at 61 Shooters Hill, despite resident objections regarding parking and concentration of HMOs. However, the committee deferred a decision on a six-bedroom HMO at 48 Welton Road due to concerns about a car parking survey. Hammersmith and Fulham's Planning and Development Control Committee also approved plans to increase an HMO to 44 rooms at 643 Fulham Road in July 2026. Harrow Council decided to expand its licensing scheme for HMOs in December 2025.
A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is a property rented out by at least three people who are not from the same household but share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. Sutton's Planning Committee is scheduled to meet in October 2026, where this topic may be discussed further.
Key facts
- Croydon's Planning Committee granted permission for a six-bedroom HMO at 22 Brighton Road in September 2026. Source
- Sutton Council's Planning Committee refused an application for a 10-room HMO at 48 Hallmead Road in August 2026. Source
- Greenwich Council's Local Planning Committee deferred a decision on a six-bedroom HMO at 48 Welton Road in July 2026. Source
- Hammersmith and Fulham's Planning and Development Control Committee approved increasing an HMO to 44 rooms at 643 Fulham Road in July 2026. Source
- Harrow Council decided to expand its licensing scheme for HMOs in December 2025. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.