Five applications for houses in multiple occupation (HMO) have been submitted in Brent this month, including one proposal to convert a property into a six-room HMO for 10 people. The North London borough is reviewing these applications amid growing concerns about the impact of HMOs on local communities and housing stock.
Details of the Applications
The applications, submitted to Brent Council, cover properties in Wembley, Neasden, Dollis Hill and Edgware. They are currently awaiting a decision as local authorities across London consider tougher rules to regulate HMOs and address the shortfall in social housing.
104 Kenwyn Drive, Neasden
This application proposes converting a residential property into a six-bedroom, 10-person HMO. The development involves internal alterations only, including adding toilet and shower units to four bedrooms. The renovation is expected to cost around £2 million, according to the applicant. While all bedrooms meet minimum space requirements, the plans show only one internal communal space—a kitchen of 12.2 square metres. Guidelines recommend approximately 50 square metres of communal space for an HMO of this size. The property has a rear garden, but its size is not specified in the application. No dining or living room is included.
3 Oak Gardens, Edgware
Plans to convert a three-storey semi-detached house into a five-bedroom, six-person HMO have been submitted. The rooms will be spread over ground, first and loft floors, with a private rear garden. All six bedrooms exceed the 12.5 square metre minimum requirement. The plans also show a combined kitchen, living and dining area of 32 square metres, plus a 270 square metre garden, which the applicant says comfortably meets Brent Council's expectations for communal space.
16 Ballogie Avenue, Neasden
This application seeks to convert a three-storey semi-detached property into a five-bedroom, five-person HMO. No external alterations are proposed, and the existing appearance will be retained. The five bedrooms range from 10.8 to 18 square metres, all exceeding minimum standards. A communal kitchen, living and dining area of approximately 36 square metres is provided, exceeding the 11 square metre guideline. The applicant states the proposal represents an effective use of an existing residential property to meet housing demand.
7 Monks Park Gardens, Wembley
This is a resubmission after a previous application was refused. The new proposal reduces the number of occupants from six to five. The applicant claims to have removed the undersized bedroom, improved layouts, enhanced privacy and circulation, and retained communal storage. All bedrooms meet minimum space standards, and the kitchen, living and dining area of 21 square metres exceeds the 11 square metre guidance. The applicant says the scheme delivers a high standard of accommodation and will not adversely impact neighbouring amenity.
88 Burnley Road, Dollis Hill
Plans have been submitted to convert a two-storey terraced house into an eight-bed, eight-person HMO. The development includes a single-storey rear extension and first floor side extension. All eight bedrooms will have private en-suite bathrooms. The ground floor features a communal living and dining area of 33.5 square metres and a 24 square metre kitchen, providing approximately 58 square metres of total communal space, exceeding Brent's standard of 5 square metres per resident. The applicant states the proposal exceeds communal space standards, retains external amenity, supports sustainable transport, and will be professionally managed.
Broader Context
Brent Council has implemented a new licensing scheme for smaller HMOs with fewer than five tenants, alongside existing requirements for larger HMOs. This follows evidence that a significant number of these properties are substandard and potentially dangerous. The rapid growth of HMOs across London has raised concerns among residents about reduced family-sized homes, increased antisocial behaviour, and imbalanced communities. The council is considering calls to pause all HMO approvals locally.
