The Planning Committee of Havering Council met on Thursday 12 February 2026 to discuss a retrospective planning application for alterations at 114 Diban Avenue, Hornchurch. The committee approved the application, subject to conditions, despite concerns raised by local residents and a ward councillor regarding potential misuse of the property and its impact on the neighbourhood.

114 Diban Avenue, Hornchurch

The committee considered a retrospective planning application for variations to conditions on a previously approved extension at 114 Diban Avenue, Hornchurch. The application sought to regularise internal and external changes made to extensions previously granted permission under application reference P0047.23.

Discussion:

During the meeting, concerns were raised by Mrs. Diana Pitchford, speaking on behalf of Lauren Pitchford, and Councillor Stephanie Nunn, who had called in the application. Key issues included:

• Allegations of Misuse: Residents expressed concerns that the property was being used as an illegal Airbnb, with advertising for seven bedrooms and four bathrooms, leading to noise, disturbance, and a lack of privacy for neighbours. There were also suggestions that the property was being used as an unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).
• Inaccurate Plans: Objections were made that the submitted floor plans did not accurately reflect the internal layout of the dwelling, with a room at the end of the hallway not shown and a dining area misrepresented.
• Retrospective Approval: Councillor Nunn highlighted that the owner had a history of not respecting rules and regulations, seeking approval retrospectively.
• Impact on Amenity: Concerns were voiced about increased comings and goings, additional vehicular movement, and noise, impacting the amenity of the residential area.
• Number of Bathrooms: Councillors questioned the necessity of multiple bathrooms for a single-family dwelling, suggesting it indicated a potential for future use as an HMO.

Case Officer Kelvin Naicker presented the material planning considerations, stating that while there had been allegations of misuse, site visits conducted between March 2025 and January 2026 had found no evidence of the property being used as anything other than a single-family dwelling. He explained that the application was for internal and external alterations to an existing dwelling and not for a change of use. He clarified that while an HMO would require planning permission due to an Article 4 Direction¹ in Havering, the current application was not for an HMO.

Councillor Robby Misir, Member Champion for Equalities & Diversity, questioned the officers about the use of the property and the possibility of imposing conditions to prevent future misuse. Officers explained that conditions preventing a change of use to an HMO would not be lawful as such control already exists through planning regulations. However, an informative ² could be added to the decision notice to make it clear that any change of use would require planning permission.

Decision:

The committee voted to grant planning permission for the retrospective application, subject to conditions. These conditions included ensuring the development was in accordance with approved plans, that the external surfaces of the extension would be rendered within nine months, and that a specific window on the flank of the rear extension would be obscure-glazed and non-opening unless more than 1.7m above floor level. An informative was also to be added to the decision notice clarifying that any change of use to a hotel or HMO would require planning permission. The application was approved by a vote of 3 to 2.