The proposed change of use would result in the loss of a family
dwelling within a predominantly residential street that has always
been and should continue to be about single persons/small family
homes. The proximity to schools and Harefield High St means it is
ideal for this type of occupation.
The proposed change conflicts with the objectives of the Hillingdon Local Plan Part 2, including policies DMH 1 and DMH 4, which seek to protect the borough’s stock of family housing and maintain a balanced and sustainable housing mix.
The cumulative erosion of family housing through piecemeal HMO conversions is a matter the Council has explicitly sought to control through the introduction of the borough-wide Article 4 Direction, recognising the potential harm to residential communities.
We also feel that not enough attention is being paid to the harmful effects of HMOs proliferating our neighbourhood in terms of the anxiety caused to our elderly residents when confronted by the uncertainty and upheaval of a HMO being created next door to them.
The site lies within the Harefield Village Conservation Area, and we feel that not enough attention has been given to the impact of this large HMO on that to preserve the character of Vernon Drive in particular.
The subject Property is only accessible via a narrow near private footpath bounded on each side by neighbour’s garden. This section of Vernon Drive is set back from the main road in an almost private garden square setting or pedestrianised cul de sac. It is private, quiet and not easily accessed other than by footfall.
Furthermore, the imposition of a large HMO serving 8 tenants will not maintain the cohesive residential nature of Vernon Drive.
2. Impact on Residential Character and Street Scene
Harefield overall is characterised by low-density family housing
with a consistent residential character.
The proposed intensification of use would alter the character of the property and the wider street, contrary to Local Plan
policies which seek to preserve the character of residential areas.
Hillingdon has previously resisted developments that introduce forms of occupation which are out of keeping with the established character of an area, particularly where the use intensification is not adequately justified.
3. Parking Stress and Highway Safety
The proposal fails to demonstrate how the additional occupiers
associated with an eight-person HMO would be accommodated without
exacerbating existing on-street parking pressure.
Harefield Hospital already experiences parking stress. The intensification of use would likely lead to additional vehicles, adversely affecting highway safety, access for emergency and refuse vehicles, and the amenity of existing residents. This is contrary to the Local Plan’s transport and parking objectives, which require developments to avoid unacceptable impacts on highway safety.
Vernon Drive already attracts increased levels of traffic due to it being used as a cut-through to avoid the ULEZ zone.
4. Impact on Residential Amenity
HMOs typically generate higher levels of comings and goings, noise,
and general activity compared with single-family dwellings. The
proposal would introduce a level of activity that is incompatible
with the quiet residential nature of the area, resulting in harm to
the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers through noise and
disturbance.
The Council’s own evidence base supporting the Article 4 Direction acknowledges the correlation between HMOs and increased amenity pressures in residential streets, which is a relevant consideration in assessing this application. 32 Vernon Drive is set back from the main road in a pedestrian cul de sac with closer proximity to neighbours, an increase in footfall and traffic would be acutely felt by the elderly residents.
We are extremely concerned for the well being of our elderly neighbours and their right to enjoy the freedom of knowing who their neighbours are without worrying about how the increase in tenant flows will cause them anxiety.
5. Lack of Justification and Failure to Demonstrate No
Harm
Given the Article 4 Direction, the onus is on the applicant to
demonstrate that the proposed HMO would not result in harm to
residential amenity, character, parking conditions, or housing
balance. In my view, the application fails to provide sufficient
evidence to demonstrate that these harms would be avoided or
adequately mitigated.
It does not make any reference to the uniqueness of the square like position the subject Property is situated within.
6. Stretched Facilities
This property has always been a three or two-bedroom house with one
single bathroom. Increasing the use of facilities such as sewage
water to 8 bathrooms used concomitantly by 8 adults is above and
beyond the original design. It is likely to result in issues to
neighbouring properties sharing facilities that can affect their
health and safety.
Conclusion
For the reasons outlined above, the proposal conflicts with the
Hillingdon Local Plan, the intent of the Article 4 Direction, and
established planning precedent within the borough. The development
would result in demonstrable harm to residential character,
amenity, parking conditions, and the supply of family housing. I
therefore respectfully request that the Council refuse planning
permission for application 79824/APP/2026/601
On reaching 20 signatures it may be considered in conjunction with the relevant live planning application at an upcoming Committee meeting. The Council's Democratic Services Team will be in touch with the lead petitioner to advise and take this petition forward accordingly.
This ePetition runs from 30/03/2026 to 30/04/2026.
193 people have signed this ePetition.