A PLAN to expand the capacity a six bed house in multiple occupation (HMO) in Chadwell St Mary has been approved by Thurrock Council, despite concerns about over intensification and neighbourhood impact.

The property, in Crouch Road, already operates as a purpose built six bed HMO under planning permission granted in 2023.

Three of the rooms are described as 'unusually large' and could accommodate two people, rather than the permitted one per room. hence the application to increase the numbers.

The purpose-built home under construction in 2023.

The building was constructed on land that formerly formed part of the adjoining home's side garden and was approved for a maximum of six residents.

The latest application called for the existing permission be varied to allow up to nine residents.

Increasing the occupancy level automatically changes the property's classification from a small HMO to a larger "sui generis" HMO, which requires separate planning consent.

Planning officers confirmed that three of the dwelling's bedrooms are "unusually large" and can comfortably accommodate two people each.

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Bedrooms four, five and six were highlighted as having sufficient space and en suite facilities to justify the increase.

In its supporting statement, the applicant argued the expansion would not set a precedent for other HMOs in the borough, saying: "This brand new high quality HMO development is perfectly suited to this modest increase in number of end users.

"More so than a retrofitted existing historic dwelling which is unlikely to have such large bedrooms or en-suite facilities."

The operator of the property said: "We do not wish to expand the size of the building and add extra rooms, we are just recognising that because some rooms are extremely large they can comfortably accommodate two people.

"The building was purpose-built for HMO use and offers a much larger specification than most conversions."

The application also stated that the building's design and layout were specifically created to accommodate higher occupancy levels and that the room dimensions exceeded typical HMO standards.

Council officers recommended approval, noting that the variation would not result in unacceptable harm to neighbouring amenity or breach local planning policies.

While no objections from residents were included in the planning report, the decision will add to the debate among local residents about the growing concentration of HMOs in the borough and the impact on the communities.

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The expansion means the Crouch Road property will now operate as a larger capacity HMO, subject to compliance with any licensing and safety regulations.