Plans to expand a six-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO) in Wallington to accommodate 10 people have drawn 29 objections, with residents warning that parking is already scarce and driveways are sometimes blocked. Equitable Property Ltd has applied to Sutton Council to increase the capacity of 16 Onslow Gardens, and the proposal is scheduled for discussion at the council's Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday, October 28.
Residents cite parking and character concerns
Residents have reported that parking spaces are hard to find and that some people already park across or partially block neighbouring driveways. Stephen Orpin said: "Parking spaces are at a premium, and residents regularly struggle to find suitable parking close to their homes." He added that the existing situation has become "so problematic that some residents and visitors are already parking across or partially blocking neighbouring driveways."
Dave Cockburn said the borough needs more family homes, stating: "Another family home lost from the street (and the borough) which negatively impacts the character of the area." Mary Towler noted that people chose to live on Onslow Gardens because of its family residential characteristics. Shun-on Chan described the proposal as over-intensive use and raised concerns about noise, waste, and increased activity, including more arrivals and departures day and night.
Neighbours question space and survey accuracy
Paul King challenged a statement in the application that the adjacent property has no windows facing the side of number 16, saying his home has kitchen, dining room, bedroom, and bathroom windows facing the property. He also criticised the parking survey submitted with the application as out of date and inaccurate. John Ashton questioned the amount of communal space for 10 people and raised concerns about the conservatory being used as the main living space.
Several objectors argue the expansion conflicts with Sutton Council's planning policies because number 16 is a semi-detached property. Onslow Gardens is part of an Area of Special Local Character, noted for its large Edwardian detached and semi-detached homes, mature greenery, and low-density layout.
Applicant defends proposal
The applicant says the bedrooms exceed minimum space requirements and argues the property can accommodate four additional residents without significantly affecting neighbours. Covered storage for 10 bicycles would be provided, and the property has one parking space at the front. A parking survey submitted with the application found 32 per cent on-street parking availability, and the applicant says the site's access to public transport would reduce occupants' reliance on cars.
Responding to concerns about disturbance, the planning statement says: "If properly managed, adding four occupiers to the property is unlikely to cause harm in terms of noise and nuisance to the current occupants and neighbours." It also argues there would be no significant impact on the character of the area, with no external alterations included in the application. The plans are due to be discussed by councillors on Wednesday.
