Key Points
- An application has been submitted to convert a six-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) at 61 Havering Road, Romford, into four self-contained residential flats.
- The proposed development consists of one three-bedroom flat, one two-bedroom flat, and two one-bedroom flats.
- The floor space of the property would expand from 151 square metres to 271 square metres through a combination of building extensions and a loft conversion.
- Architectural changes include the introduction of a gabled roof, dormer windows, and alterations aimed at balancing the front facade.
- Each flat is designed to feature private amenity space, alongside communal provisions for cycle storage, bin storage, and three off-street parking spaces.
- Planning documents highlight that the site occupies a sustainable location with access to local transport links and town centres in Romford and Collier Row.
Romford (East London Times) November 4, 2026 – A six-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) located in Romford could be converted into four self-contained flats following the submission of a new planning application to the local authority. The proposal, which targets the property at 61 Havering Road, outlines a comprehensive redevelopment scheme aimed at replacing the existing shared housing setup with self-contained residential units. The site currently operates as a certified six-bedroom HMO after securing a lawful development certificate earlier this year. Under the newly detailed plans, the building would undergo physical extensions and structural redesigns to accommodate a mix of housing units designed to help address regional residential demand.
The proposed plans detail a layout comprising one three-bedroom flat, one two-bedroom flat, and two one-bedroom flats. To facilitate this transformation, the applicant intends to increase the internal floor space of the building from its current 151 square metres to 271 square metres. This expansion is scheduled to be achieved through a series of structural modifications, combining property extensions with a loft conversion. According to the planning documentation submitted with the application, each of the four proposed homes would be allocated dedicated private amenity space. Furthermore, the overall development scheme incorporates infrastructure for communal facilities, including designated bin storage, secure cycle storage, and three off-street vehicle parking spaces.
What Are the Key Architectural and Design Changes Proposed for 61 Havering Road?
The architectural modifications outlined in the planning submission involve changes to the external appearance and overall envelope of the property. The design plans specify the addition of a gabled roof and dormer windows as part of the loft conversion process. Planning documents state that these alterations are intended to deliver a more balanced frontage for the building while ensuring the altered structure remains in keeping with the surrounding streetscape. The design and access statement notes that several neighbouring properties along Havering Road already feature similar gabled roof structures, positioning the proposal within the established visual character of the local residential area.
Beyond the external facade, the extension work will reconfigure the entire interior layout to meet standards for self-contained living. The applicant asserts within the submission that the development is tailored to provide high-quality residential accommodation. The planning statement highlights the location of the property as sustainable, noting its proximity to both Romford and Collier Row town centres. The submission also points to the presence of multiple local bus routes serving the immediate vicinity, which the applicant argues provides sufficient public transport connectivity for prospective residents.
What Is the Background to the 61 Havering Road Planning Application?
The property at 61 Havering Road previously functioned as a standard residential dwelling before undergoing a change of use to operate as a House in Multiple Occupation. Earlier this year, the property was granted a lawful development certificate, formally recognising its legal status to operate as a shared accommodation facility housing up to six individual residents.
Houses in Multiple Occupation represent a specific sector of the UK housing market, where individual tenants rent separate rooms while sharing communal amenities such as kitchens or bathrooms. In recent years, local planning authorities across the London Borough of Havering and wider suburban regions have regularly evaluated applications seeking to transition HMO properties into self-contained flats or vice versa. The submission of this application reflects an attempt to shift the property from shared multi-occupancy housing back into independent, self-contained residential units under the local planning framework.
How Could This Proposed Redevelopment Affect the Local Community and Housing Supply?
If approved by the local planning authority, the conversion of 61 Havering Road from a six-bedroom HMO into four self-contained flats will directly impact local housing availability and surrounding residents in several ways.
Impact on Housing Diversity and Capacity
The replacement of a six-bedroom HMO with four distinct residential units shifts the demographic focus of the accommodation provided at the site. While HMOs typically cater to single individuals seeking lower-cost single-room rentals, the proposed combination of one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom flats introduces housing options suitable for small families or couples. This change increases the overall number of independent households on the plot from one multi-occupied entity to four separate dwellings, altering the density and housing mix available within Havering.
Impact on Local Infrastructure and Parking
The provision of three parking spaces for four residential units represents a specific ratio of vehicle accommodation that will interact with existing street conditions on Havering Road. Local residents and highways officials routinely assess whether off-street parking provisions are adequate to prevent overspill onto neighbouring roadways. The addition of dedicated cycle storage and access to local bus routes aims to encourage public transit usage, though the overall demand on local infrastructure, waste management, and public services will adjust to the presence of four individual households operating independently on the site.
