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Proposal: Change of use from single dwelling (C3) to 4‑bed HMO (C4), including garage conversion.
Hillingdon Council has refused the application to convert 11 Woodville Gardens into a four‑person House in Multiple Occupation.
The officer report identifies three key reasons for refusal, summarised below.
Substandard Living Conditions for Future OccupiersThe proposal offered only a small, shared kitchen as the sole communal space for four unrelated adults. There was no lounge, dining area or usable shared living space, meaning the accommodation would be cramped and fail to provide a comfortable or functional living environment. This was judged to fall below London Plan and Local Plan housing standards.
Harm to Neighbouring Residential AmenityA four‑person HMO would create an over‑intensive pattern of occupation compared with a typical family home. Officers concluded it would lead to:
- Increased comings and goings
- Higher levels of noise and disturbance
- More servicing activity and deliveries
This would be harmful to the quiet residential character of Woodville Gardens and to the amenity of adjoining neighbours.
Out of Keeping with the Character of the AreaAlthough the physical alterations were minor, the intensified HMO use was considered incompatible with a street made up of single‑family dwellings and bungalows. Officers found that the cumulative activity associated with multiple unrelated occupants would erode the established character of the area.
Other Notes
- Highways officers raised no objection: parking provision met standards.
- External amenity space was adequate, but this did not outweigh the poor internal layout.
- The Borough’s Article 4 Direction (Dec 2025) means all HMOs now require full planning permission.
The RRA will continue to monitor the site and any potential appeal.