Fitzilian Avenue Harold Wood HMO ordered to stop operating

A formal planning enforcement notice was lodged relating to the property in Fitzilian Avenue - which is allegedly operating as a large HMO "without planning permission".

Havering Council said the change of use from a small to a large HMO came without the approval of planning officers.

The enforcement notice also claims that the kitchen and three bedrooms are too small and provide a "poor quality living environment harmful to the amenity of existing occupiers".

It describes the layout of the HMO as "poor and cramped".

The council also notes concerns around the "intensification of the site" and the rise of noise, disturbance and activity due to the high number of occupiers.

Another issue highlighted was car parking provision at the property.

Parking space was described as "inadequate" and resulting in "unacceptable overspill onto the adjoining roads to the detriment of highway safety and residential amenity".

As a result, Havering Council has given the property one month to cease its use as an HMO.

A time limit of three months has been given to remove the toilets, wash basins and showers from nine of its rooms.

The kitchen sink, cooking facilities and kitchen cupboards must also be removed from a ground floor room.

Any "additional gas/ electricity metres, plumbing and any other fixtures or fittings" that facilitate the use of the premises as an HMO have also been ordered to be stripped.

Any debris or rubbish left as a result of stripping these fittings must also be cleared from the site.

The notice said that even if an official planning application was lodged for the HMO, it would not be approved by planning officers because planning conditions attached to any form of consent would not overcome the problems listed by the council.

Although formally submitted on May 20, the enforcement notice takes effect on June 26.