RESIDENTS have objected to plans to expand a six-bedroom House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) in Tilbury, warning that parking pressures are already causing problems and that adding another tenant will make the situation worse.

The application would allow a seventh resident to move into the property at 133 Dock Road and includes proposals for a rear extension and loft conversion.

Earlier this year, Thurrock Council ruled planning permission would be required before the number of occupants could increase from six to seven.

Developers disputed that decision, arguing the addition of a single resident would not amount to a significant change in the property's use, but have conceded the point and submitted a formal planning application last month



The proposal has so far attracted four objections from nearby residents, with concerns focusing on parking and loss of privacy.

One neighbour said parking in the area was already at breaking point.

"In our row of terraced houses there is already an issue with parking," they wrote. "Many of us struggle to get parking for our cars that we pay for permits for.

"This is only going to increase the burden. There are already six residents of this address that park in the surrounding roads.

"Roads that are often dangerously overcrowded at school drop-off and pick-up times. I would ask that you consider the impact this will have on our small row of houses and our surrounding neighbours."

Another resident raised concerns about the effect the proposal could have on neighbouring properties.

They wrote: "I am also concerned about the impact on my privacy.

"The ground-floor room that is proposed to become a double bedroom overlooks my rear garden.

"My garden is separated from the property only by a fence, and there is very little privacy."

Highways officers reviewing the application have requested amendments to ensure the scheme meets parking standards. Their recommendations include the provision of two off-street parking spaces and secure cycle storage.

However, the developers argue those requirements are excessive given the scale of the proposal.

In planning documents submitted to the council, they said it would be unreasonable to expect two off-street parking spaces to be provided simply because one extra resident would be living at the property.

"It would be unreasonable to require the provision of two off-street parking spaces as a consequence of adding one additional occupant to an existing HMO use, particularly where the site has no frontage capable of accommodating off-street parking," they said.

The applicants also point out that the proposed rear extension and loft conversion have already secured separate approval and could be carried out regardless of the outcome of the current application.

According to planning documents, those works "can therefore be lawfully implemented as a fallback position".

Thurrock Council has yet to make a decision on the application.