The Newshound

Plumstead residents say Greenwich Council's new powers to block HMOs won't go far enough to protect family homes

Greenwich Council has granted itself new planning powers to block HMO conversions, but the 'Local Voices on HMOs' residents' group in Plumstead says the measures fall short of what neighbourhoods need. Councillor Tom Creswell introduced two rules: barring conversions of homes under 130sqm, and refusing new HMOs where three already exist within the nearest ten properties. Residents have requested a meeting with the council to push for stronger protections.

Three applications in Plumstead and Eltham are up for refusal today under the new rules — all failing the 130sqm threshold.

The rules are not retrospective, meaning existing HMO clusters remain untouched despite community concerns about over-concentration.

Separately, thugs targeted homes suspected of housing asylum seekers in anti-HMO attacks, leaving families fearing for their safety.

MoreDaily MailThugs target HMOs suspected of housing asylum seekersEvening StandardLondon borough granted powers to block HMOs in bid to crack down on rogue landlordsBBN TimesGreenwich Council Granted Sweeping New Powers to Block HMOs in Crackdown on Rogue Landlords - BBN TimesMy LondonGreenwich wins more power to turn down HMOs - but Plumstead residents say it won't be enough - My London
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