The Local Planning Committee of Greenwich Council met on Thursday 19 February 2026, discussing several planning applications. The committee approved the proposed extension to Woodlands Heights, a change of use for 872 Sidcup Road to a seven-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), the construction of a new dwelling at land to the rear of 62 and 64 Footscray Road, a six-bedroom HMO at 49 Tewson Road, and an eight-bedroom HMO at 33 Waverley Crescent. However, the committee refused the application to increase the number of occupants at 872 Sidcup Road from six to seven.

Woodlands Heights, Vanbrugh Hill, Blackheath, London, SE3 7EL

The committee granted planning permission for the proposed extension to Woodlands Heights, which will add an additional floor to the existing building to create eight new residential units. This decision followed extensive discussion regarding design, neighbourly amenity, and transport impacts. Concerns were raised by residents and local councillors about the potential for increased noise, overlooking, and traffic congestion. The applicant, represented by Sam Malis, presented a revised scheme designed to address issues identified in a previous refusal and appeal dismissal. Key changes included setbacks from neighbouring properties, the removal of communal roof terraces in favour of private balconies, and the introduction of a new pedestrian entrance and loading bays to improve site safety and servicing. Despite objections regarding the impact on neighbouring properties, particularly on Laster Place, and concerns about traffic, the committee ultimately voted in favour of the officer's recommendation for approval, noting that the revised scheme addressed the inspector's remaining concerns and complied with planning policy.

872 Sidcup Road, London, SE9 3PN

The committee granted planning permission for the conversion of a family-sized dwelling into a seven-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). The application was called in by Councillor Roger Tester and Councillor Matt Hartley, who, along with Councillor Patricia Greenwell, strongly objected to the proposal. Their primary concerns centred on the potential for increased noise and disturbance from seven occupants, the loss of family housing, and the intensification of use on a busy road. The applicant's representative, Lucas Zoricak, argued that the site's location on the A20 dual carriageway provided a sufficient background noise level to mitigate concerns about additional comings and goings, distinguishing it from previous appeal decisions that refused HMOs on quieter streets. While the committee acknowledged the concerns about the quality of life for existing residents and the potential for noise, they ultimately voted to approve the officer's recommendation for six occupants, refusing the additional seventh room. This decision was based on the argument that the existing six-bedroom HMO approval provided a sufficient fallback position and that the additional room would constitute an over-intensification of use.

Land to the rear of 62 and 64 Footscray Road, Eltham, London, SE9 2SU

Planning permission was granted for the construction of a two-storey dwellinghouse on land to the rear of 62 and 64 Footscray Road. The site, previously a service area for the ground-floor retail units, will now accommodate a three-bedroom family home. Councillor Ann-Marie Cousins raised concerns about parking availability in the area, questioning the methodology of the parking survey. However, the officer and the applicant's representative, Brendan Meade, presented evidence that indicated sufficient parking capacity in the vicinity. The design of the proposed dwelling was considered to be in keeping with the surrounding Edwardian terraced properties. Objections regarding the potential loss of sunlight and outlook for neighbouring properties at 66 and 68 Footscray Road were addressed by the applicant's representative, who stated that the dwelling's orientation and setback would not significantly impact sunlight to these gardens. The committee approved the application, noting its contribution to housing targets and its compliance with design and amenity considerations.

49 Tewson Road, Plumstead, London, SE18 1BB

The committee approved the change of use of an existing dwelling at 49 Tewson Road to a six-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). The application, which included a rear dormer and ground-floor extensions, received 13 objections and was called in by Councillor Kari. The officer, Louise Macionis, presented the proposal, highlighting that it complied with internal space standards for HMOs and that a parking stress survey indicated sufficient capacity in the surrounding streets. Concerns raised by Councillor Kari regarding overdevelopment, impact on neighbouring amenity, loss of family housing, and fire safety management were addressed by the officer, who stated that the proposal was comparable to lawfully implementable development and that standard conditions, including an HMO management plan, would be imposed.

33 Waverley Crescent, Plumstead, London, SE18 7QU

Planning permission was granted for the change of use of a dwelling at 33 Waverley Crescent to an eight-bedroom HMO. The application also included the demolition of a side extension and the construction of a rear dormer. The proposal was called in by Councillor Kari, and additional objections were received after the initial report was published. The officer, Louise Macionis, noted that while this was a significant number of bedrooms, the site's context, including its proximity to a doctor's surgery and blocks of flats, meant that the additional comings and goings from eight occupants were unlikely to cause an unacceptable impact. A condition was added to ensure enhanced noise insulation between properties, addressing a concern raised by Councillor Ann-Marie Cousins.

Item 10 - 888 Sidcup Road, Eltham, London, SE9 3PN

This item was withdrawn from the agenda.