PLANNING officers have vetoed a plan to increase the size of a house of multiple occupancy in Tilbury, claiming it would have a significant negative impact on the local residential area.

The application was submitted to extend the property at 14 Raphael Avenue, where six people are currently housed to take ten people.

In declining the application , Thurrock council planning officers say the proposal for what is currently an eight bedroom property would result in a larger home of multiple occupancy (HMO) which would be out of character within a residential setting.

They say the detailed design of a proposed two storey rear extension, and the manner in which the roof design would tie in, would also fail to positively contribute to the character and appearance of the locality.

And it is added that as a result of the intensification of the site, the proposal would create unacceptable levels of noise, disturbance and foot traffic would be generated by the number of occupants which would be to the detriment to the surrounding properties.

Essex Police has also commented on the scheme, saying: "HMOs particularly, without the benefit of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, can prove to be crime generators.

Considered design can mitigate the risk to residents and reduce the risk of crime. There appears to be no reference to security in the documentation provided."

No comments or objections were received from neighbours, but the impact on them was considered a major reason by officers to reject the application.

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And paying deference to a now repeatedly offered warning about possible flood risk in Tilbury, the report adds the application has not demonstrated that there would be acceptable and safe measures in place in regard to flood risk to satisfy the council that future occupiers, especially those sleeping on the ground floor, would be safe.