Plans for a new HMO in South London have been approved by the local council, despite residents fearing it will attract the ‘wrong type of people to the area’.

Bexley Council has approved plans to convert a house in Belvedere into an HMO (house in multiple occupation) for six people.

The bungalow on Fremantle Road will reportedly be changed to include six bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms inside, along with a kitchen area and communal bathroom.

The plans, sent by Expansion Group, will also include knocking down the conservatory currently at the back of the house.

News Shopper: The house on Fremantle Road in Belvedere, Bexley (Credit: Google Earth)The house on Fremantle Road in Belvedere, Bexley (Credit: Google Earth)

The plans received objections from 10 neighbouring addresses before being brought to the council’s planning committee.

Residents said they were worried about the loss of the home in an area that ‘caters to family living’.

One objection was summarised in council documents as: “The proposed development would attract the wrong type of people… The HMO would result in an increase in anti-social behaviour along Fremantle Road.”

There is no evidene that HMOs cause more anti-social behaviour.

The topic was discussed at a planning meeting for Bexley Council on June 29.

Councillors at the meeting acknowledged the objections made but emphasised the demand for affordable housing in the borough, with Conservative Councillor Peter Reader saying HMOs “provide a need” for residents.

Conservative Councillor John Davey said at the meeting: “I can appreciate local residents’ concerns when an HMO comes up in the near vicinity.

"You never know quite what’s going to happen. So I do appreciate residents’ concerns, but there is a big need for this sort of development for people, particularly working in the local area.”

Planning documents from Expansion Group said the bungalow on the site needs refurbishment after being empty for years.

They said the planned HMO would offer ‘luxurious’ communal facilities and make ‘excellent use’ of the current building.

They added: “The proposed development will offer very high standards of living aimed at professional workers looking for one bedroom accommodation. With excellent travel links in and around London this property is situated in a desired location for commuters.”

At the meeting, the planning committee unanimously agreed to approve the plans for the HMO on Fremantle Road.