The Local Planning Committee meeting on 7 April 2026 discussed a planning application for 48 Welton Road, Plumstead, London, SE18 2JF. The committee ultimately decided to defer the decision on this application to allow for a daytime parking survey to be conducted and for further clarification on kitchen facilities.

48 Welton Road, Plumstead, London, SE18 2JF

The committee considered a planning application for the change of use of a single-family dwellinghouse at 48 Welton Road, Plumstead, London, SE18 2JF, to a six-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) with a maximum capacity of six persons. The application also included proposals for a single-storey rear extension, a hip-to-gable loft conversion, and a rear dormer.

Discussion:

A significant portion of the discussion revolved around parking concerns, particularly the impact of the nearby Willow Dene School and Swingate Lane playing fields on daytime parking availability. Councillor Izzy Cooke and Councillor Jo van den Broek highlighted that the existing parking survey, conducted overnight, did not adequately reflect the daytime parking pressures experienced by residents. Councillor van den Broek proposed deferring the decision to allow for a daytime parking survey, which was seconded by Councillor David Gardner.

Concerns were also raised regarding the kitchen facilities, with Councillor Jo van den Broek pointing out a perceived contradiction in the report regarding the number of kitchen facilities required for a six-person HMO. While the report stated a minimum of 10.5 square metres for a kitchen, the wording around one set of kitchen facilities for up to five occupants was questioned. The applicant's agent clarified that the kitchen size was sufficient and that the number of facilities would be addressed during the building control and licensing stages. However, the committee expressed a desire for more clarity on this matter.

Other points of discussion included the permitted development rights for the loft conversion and dormer, the impact on the Area of Special Character, the quality of accommodation for future residents, and the management of the HMO. The applicant's agent, Damla Urquhock, emphasised that the proposed extensions could be implemented under permitted development rights, providing a fallback position.

Decision:

The committee voted to defer the decision on the application. This deferral was primarily to allow for:

• A daytime parking survey to be conducted to better assess parking pressures.
• Further clarification and information regarding the kitchen facilities.

The deferral was proposed by Councillor Jo van den Broek and seconded by Councillor David Gardner.

Other matters:

The meeting also included procedural announcements regarding the deferral of items six and seven due to the absence of applicants and agents for the Jewish holidays. The Chair, Councillor Gary Dillon, also reminded members and officers about speaking into the microphones and the rules for public speakers. Apologies for absence were received from several councillors. The minutes of the previous meeting held on 9 December 2025 were confirmed as an accurate record.