Councillors Fight Plans to Turn Another Romford Family Home into an HMO

20th October 202620th October 2026 Francesca Lilleystone 0 Comments HMO, Housing, Romford, St Alban's Ward min read

Reform UK Councillors Diane and Russell Smith have formally objected to plans to convert a family home at 1 Princes Road, Romford, into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), raising serious concerns about the impact on local residents and the surrounding community.

The St. Alban’s Ward Councillors have formally requested that planning application P1134.26 be called in for consideration, arguing that the proposed development would place additional pressure on residential parking, local infrastructure and neighbouring households.

Councillors Diane and Russell Smith have also raised concerns about increased noise, disturbance and activity associated with the proposed HMO, which they believe would negatively affect the character of the surrounding residential area.

Of particular concern is the potential loss of another family-sized home, with the Councillors arguing that Havering must protect its existing housing stock and ensure that residential developments are appropriate for their surroundings.

Councillors Diane and Russell Smith said:

“We were elected to stand up for local residents, protect our communities and ensure that inappropriate developments are properly challenged.

“Turning another family home into an HMO raises serious concerns about parking, noise, pressure on local services and the wider character of our neighbourhoods.

“Family homes should be protected for families, and residents should not have to bear the consequences of unsuitable developments being imposed on their communities.

“That is why we have formally called in this application and will continue to stand up for the interests of residents across St. Alban’s Ward.”

The objection comes as Havering’s Reform UK administration continues its wider efforts to tackle the proliferation of HMOs across the borough, including proposals to introduce a borough-wide Article 4 Direction to strengthen planning controls over certain HMO conversions.

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