Plans for a controversial HMO in Crayford have been approved by councillors despite pleas from neighbours to protect their neighbourhood.

A developer plans to renovate a home in Manor Road into a 10-person House of Multiple Occupation (HMO), much to the annoyance of neighbours.

A HMO is a building featuring at least four bedrooms used by unrelated individuals, and have grown a reputation for anti-social behaviour and poor management.

To supporters, they are seen as a key way of solving the capital’s housing crises.

A petition against the change has nearly 40 signatures, with neighbours packing into the council’s planning meeting this week to have their voices heard.

Speaking on behalf of residents, neighbour Claire Wright said: “I am a great supporter of good quality HMO’s in the right places.

“There is no doubt the quality would be good, however there is no guarantee of that for residents in Manor Road.

“Nearby residents are best placed to judge amenity issues and the strength of objections are clear.”

Residents say there is a parking issue in the narrow road, and allowing one HMO would set a precedent for others.

Others feared that a lack of bin space would lead to fly-tipping and vermin.

“The high intensity development within the suburban area is out of character. These are the same old chestnuts as you know but they can cause misery”.

Laura Bellamy, who will manage the HMO, told the committee the development would be a safe and clean place for working professionals.

“As I am sure you can understand it is within my best interests to have the best tenants there,” she said.

“There is adequate public transport that a lot of my resident’s use. There are an adequate number of bins so fears of fly-tipping and vermin will not be an issue.

“The area is in desperate need of HMO’s which I am sure you can agree play a key role in our society”.

Councillor Val Clarke, who sits on the committee, said: “I feel HMO’s get a bad press. They are seen as some as being on par with a hostel and that is not the case and we really do need them in this borough.”

The plan was approved unanimously by councillors.