Dartford council set to approve six-person HMO despite objections
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 15:02 · Archive
Dartford Council is recommended to approve plans to convert a five-bedroom family home into a six-person house in multiple occupation.
Dartford Council's development control board has been recommended to grant planning permission to convert a detached home at 11A Whitby Close from a family home into a six-person house in multiple occupation. The five-bedroom house would be reconfigured with four bedrooms on the ground floor and two on the first floor, with ensuite bathrooms for all except the fourth bedroom.
Twelve nearby residents objected to the plans, raising concerns about parking pressure, a significant increase in activity, and potential harm to the tranquillity of the quiet close. Kent County Council member for Dartford East Cllr Ryan Waters and Stone Parish Council also opposed the application, citing lack of parking spaces and increased disturbance for neighbours.
The conversion requires planning permission following new rules introduced by Dartford Council in December 2025 that removed permitted development rights for smaller HMOs. Previously, only HMOs with more than six occupants needed planning consent. The development control board is scheduled to meet on Thursday 15 October to decide on the application.
How it is being reported
- Concerns about 'harm to tranquillity' of Dartford close as HMO plans set for approvalPlans to convert a family home in Dartford into a six-person HMO look set for approval.This Is Local London · 12 Oct, 14:30
- Concerns about 'harm to tranquillity' of Dartford close as HMO plans set for approvalPlans to convert a family home in Dartford into a six-person HMO look set for approval.News Shopper · 12 Oct, 14:30
In this story: Dartford Council · Dartford · 11A Whitby Close · Cllr Ryan Waters · Stone Parish Council · Kent County Council
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