The Planning Committee of Havering Council met on Thursday 12 February 2026 to discuss a retrospective planning application for extensions at 114 Diban Avenue, Hornchurch. The committee considered the application for variations to conditions on a previously approved planning permission (Ref: P0047.23), which sought to regularise internal and external changes to extensions, including the addition of a playroom, bathroom, and shower, as well as alterations to window designs and roof slopes.

114 Diban Avenue, Hornchurch

Concerns were raised by local residents and Councillor Stephanie Nunn regarding potential misuse of the property, including its alleged use as an Airbnb and the possibility of it becoming an unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). Objections also cited inadequate parking, noise and disturbance, and the accuracy of submitted plans.

Case Officer Kelvin Naicker presented the material planning considerations, stating that while there were minor external changes, the proposal was considered acceptable and did not result in detrimental impacts on neighbouring amenity or highways. He clarified that the property was being used as a single-family dwelling and that any future material change of use would require a separate planning application.

The committee debated the implications of the internal changes, particularly the number of bathrooms and the potential for the property to be used as an HMO. Officers explained that planning conditions could not be imposed to prevent future changes of use that would already require planning permission, such as conversion to an HMO, due to the council's Article 4 Direction. An informative note was discussed to be added to the decision notice to clarify that any change of use would require planning permission.

Following debate, the committee voted to approve the retrospective application. Conditions were discussed, including the rendering of external surfaces within nine months and obscure glazing for a specific window. The committee also discussed adding an informative note to the decision notice clarifying that any change of use to an HMO would require planning permission.