Stop the conversion of 44 Ash Grove into an HMO
The Issue
HAREFIELD RESIDENTS’ PETITION
To the London Borough of Hillingdon Planning Committee
Objection to Planning Application 47425/APP/2026/1543
Proposed Conversion of 44 Ash Grove, Harefield into a Six-Bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO)
Executive Summary
We, the undersigned residents of Harefield and the surrounding area, respectfully petition the London Borough of Hillingdon Planning Committee to refuse Planning Application 47425/APP/2026/1543, which seeks permission to convert 44 Ash Grove, a two-bedroom terraced family home, into a six-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).
Whilst we recognise the need for a range of housing across the Borough, we believe this proposal represents an inappropriate and harmful over-intensification of a modest family home that would have an unacceptable impact on neighbouring residents and on the character of Harefield.
The Council introduced an Article 4 Direction in December 2025 to ensure that proposals such as this are subject to proper planning scrutiny. We respectfully ask the Council to apply the same planning principles that have been applied to previous HMO applications in Harefield.
Background
44 Ash Grove is located within a quiet residential street made up predominantly of family homes.
The proposal seeks to convert a two-bedroom terraced dwelling into a six-bedroom HMO, significantly increasing the intensity of occupation.
Residents are concerned that this proposal would add to the cumulative impact of HMOs within Harefield and undermine the purpose of the Article 4 Direction.
Grounds for Objection
1. Overdevelopment
The proposed conversion represents an overdevelopment of a modest two-bedroom semi-detached house.
The intensity of occupation would be significantly greater than the existing use and would be out of keeping with the scale and character of neighbouring properties.
2. Parking and Highway Safety
Ash Grove already suffers from severe parking congestion.
Residents frequently struggle to park close to their homes.
A six-bedroom HMO is likely to increase:
Vehicle ownership.
Visitor parking.
Delivery vehicles.
Servicing traffic.
This would place additional pressure on an already congested street and could adversely affect highway safety.
3. Residential Amenity
The proposed development would inevitably increase:
Noise.
Comings and goings.
Refuse generation.
Deliveries.
General activity.
These impacts would be detrimental to neighbouring residents and would reduce the quality of life within this established residential street.
4. Cumulative Impact of HMOs
The Planning Committee is respectfully asked to consider not only this application in isolation but also the cumulative impact of HMOs within Harefield.
Residents have already experienced increasing pressure on:
On-street parking.
Waste storage.
Residential amenity.
Community cohesion.
Further HMO development risks fundamentally changing the character of the village.
5. Loss of Family Housing
The proposal would result in the loss of another family home within Harefield.
The continued conversion of family houses into HMOs reduces the availability of housing suitable for families and changes the balance of the local community.
6. Protection of Harefield’s Character
Harefield is a distinct village with a strong community identity.
Its residential streets are characterised by family housing and relatively low-density development.
The proposed HMO would be out of keeping with this established character.
Along with limited public transport links to the village.
Previous Planning Decisions
The Council introduced the Article 4 Direction in December 2025 to ensure that changes from family homes to HMOs are carefully assessed through the planning system.
Following the introduction of the Article 4 Direction, the Council refused similar proposals in Harefield, including:
26 Leys Close – Planning Application 42563/APP/2026/804 (Refused).
32 Vernon Drive – Planning Application 79824/APP/2026/601 (Refused).
Residents respectfully ask the Planning Committee to apply the same planning principles consistently when determining Planning Application 47425/APP/2026/1543.
Where relevant, we also ask the Council to consider any documented planning history, compliance history or formal planning enforcement records that are material to the determination of this application.
Relevant Planning Policy
We respectfully request that the application is assessed against:
The Hillingdon Local Plan.
The London Plan.
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
The Article 4 Direction introduced in December 2025.
In particular, we ask the Council to consider policies relating to:
Protection of residential amenity.
Prevention of overdevelopment.
Highway safety and parking.
Sustainable communities.
Protection of neighbourhood character.
The cumulative impact of HMOs.
Our Request to the Planning Committee
We respectfully request that the London Borough of Hillingdon Planning Committee refuses Planning Application 47425/APP/2026/1543 because it would:
Overdevelop a two-bedroom semi detached dwelling.
Harm neighbouring residential amenity.
Worsen existing parking and highway safety issues.
Contribute to the cumulative concentration of HMOs within Harefield.
Reduce the stock of family housing.
Harm the established character of Harefield.
Undermine the objectives of the Article 4 Direction introduced to protect local communities.
We respectfully ask the Council to apply planning policy consistently and to protect Harefield for existing and future residents.
Further, this proposal could contribute to the escalating number of HMOs within Harefield, undermining the purpose of the Article 4 Direction, which aims to maintain the balance and character of residential areas. The cumulative impact of additional HMOs could result in unforeseen challenges, detracting from the quality of life for existing residents.
Our neighbourhood values the quiet and familial atmosphere that has been its hallmark for years. The prospect of turning 44 Ash Grove into a high-intensity HMO runs counter to the community’s aspirations and the foundational principles of our planning policies.
We call upon the London Borough of Hillingdon Planning Committee to reject the planning application for 44 Ash Grove. Protect our community, uphold the Article 4 Direction, and preserve the character that makes Harefield a cherished place to live.
Sign this petition to voice your objection and safeguard the future of our neighbourhood.
665
The Issue
HAREFIELD RESIDENTS’ PETITION
To the London Borough of Hillingdon Planning Committee
Objection to Planning Application 47425/APP/2026/1543
Proposed Conversion of 44 Ash Grove, Harefield into a Six-Bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO)
Executive Summary
We, the undersigned residents of Harefield and the surrounding area, respectfully petition the London Borough of Hillingdon Planning Committee to refuse Planning Application 47425/APP/2026/1543, which seeks permission to convert 44 Ash Grove, a two-bedroom terraced family home, into a six-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).
Whilst we recognise the need for a range of housing across the Borough, we believe this proposal represents an inappropriate and harmful over-intensification of a modest family home that would have an unacceptable impact on neighbouring residents and on the character of Harefield.
The Council introduced an Article 4 Direction in December 2025 to ensure that proposals such as this are subject to proper planning scrutiny. We respectfully ask the Council to apply the same planning principles that have been applied to previous HMO applications in Harefield.
Background
44 Ash Grove is located within a quiet residential street made up predominantly of family homes.
The proposal seeks to convert a two-bedroom terraced dwelling into a six-bedroom HMO, significantly increasing the intensity of occupation.
Residents are concerned that this proposal would add to the cumulative impact of HMOs within Harefield and undermine the purpose of the Article 4 Direction.
Grounds for Objection
1. Overdevelopment
The proposed conversion represents an overdevelopment of a modest two-bedroom semi-detached house.
The intensity of occupation would be significantly greater than the existing use and would be out of keeping with the scale and character of neighbouring properties.
2. Parking and Highway Safety
Ash Grove already suffers from severe parking congestion.
Residents frequently struggle to park close to their homes.
A six-bedroom HMO is likely to increase:
Vehicle ownership.
Visitor parking.
Delivery vehicles.
Servicing traffic.
This would place additional pressure on an already congested street and could adversely affect highway safety.
3. Residential Amenity
The proposed development would inevitably increase:
Noise.
Comings and goings.
Refuse generation.
Deliveries.
General activity.
These impacts would be detrimental to neighbouring residents and would reduce the quality of life within this established residential street.
4. Cumulative Impact of HMOs
The Planning Committee is respectfully asked to consider not only this application in isolation but also the cumulative impact of HMOs within Harefield.
Residents have already experienced increasing pressure on:
On-street parking.
Waste storage.
Residential amenity.
Community cohesion.
Further HMO development risks fundamentally changing the character of the village.
5. Loss of Family Housing
The proposal would result in the loss of another family home within Harefield.
The continued conversion of family houses into HMOs reduces the availability of housing suitable for families and changes the balance of the local community.
6. Protection of Harefield’s Character
Harefield is a distinct village with a strong community identity.
Its residential streets are characterised by family housing and relatively low-density development.
The proposed HMO would be out of keeping with this established character.
Along with limited public transport links to the village.
Previous Planning Decisions
The Council introduced the Article 4 Direction in December 2025 to ensure that changes from family homes to HMOs are carefully assessed through the planning system.
Following the introduction of the Article 4 Direction, the Council refused similar proposals in Harefield, including:
26 Leys Close – Planning Application 42563/APP/2026/804 (Refused).
32 Vernon Drive – Planning Application 79824/APP/2026/601 (Refused).
Residents respectfully ask the Planning Committee to apply the same planning principles consistently when determining Planning Application 47425/APP/2026/1543.
Where relevant, we also ask the Council to consider any documented planning history, compliance history or formal planning enforcement records that are material to the determination of this application.
Relevant Planning Policy
We respectfully request that the application is assessed against:
The Hillingdon Local Plan.
The London Plan.
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
The Article 4 Direction introduced in December 2025.
In particular, we ask the Council to consider policies relating to:
Protection of residential amenity.
Prevention of overdevelopment.
Highway safety and parking.
Sustainable communities.
Protection of neighbourhood character.
The cumulative impact of HMOs.
Our Request to the Planning Committee
We respectfully request that the London Borough of Hillingdon Planning Committee refuses Planning Application 47425/APP/2026/1543 because it would:
Overdevelop a two-bedroom semi detached dwelling.
Harm neighbouring residential amenity.
Worsen existing parking and highway safety issues.
Contribute to the cumulative concentration of HMOs within Harefield.
Reduce the stock of family housing.
Harm the established character of Harefield.
Undermine the objectives of the Article 4 Direction introduced to protect local communities.
We respectfully ask the Council to apply planning policy consistently and to protect Harefield for existing and future residents.
Further, this proposal could contribute to the escalating number of HMOs within Harefield, undermining the purpose of the Article 4 Direction, which aims to maintain the balance and character of residential areas. The cumulative impact of additional HMOs could result in unforeseen challenges, detracting from the quality of life for existing residents.
Our neighbourhood values the quiet and familial atmosphere that has been its hallmark for years. The prospect of turning 44 Ash Grove into a high-intensity HMO runs counter to the community’s aspirations and the foundational principles of our planning policies.
We call upon the London Borough of Hillingdon Planning Committee to reject the planning application for 44 Ash Grove. Protect our community, uphold the Article 4 Direction, and preserve the character that makes Harefield a cherished place to live.
Sign this petition to voice your objection and safeguard the future of our neighbourhood.
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Petition created on 17 July 2026