- Decision
- dismissed, 16 September 2026
- Decided by
- Planning Inspector: G Ellis
- Authority
- Spelthorne (South East)
- Appeal reference
- 6010568
- Application reference
- 26/00172/FUL
- Procedure
- written representations
- Development
- Change of use from C4 HMO (6) to sui generis HMO (8)
- Site context
- inside settlement
- Green Belt
- No
- Framework applied
- August 2026 NPPF
- Determinative policies
- DP3
- Development plan policies
- Spelthorne Local Plan PS2, P2
- Main issues
- living conditions; character; parking
Summary
Intensification of a Stanwell HMO from six to eight residents was dismissed. Communal space would be inadequate, and the front bin and cycle store would harm the open frontage character (DL ¶9, ¶11).
What made the difference
The communal-space deficiency. Suggested conditions could not cure it (DL ¶19).
Policy findings
Policy codes are those of the National Planning Policy Framework (August 2026) unless a development plan is named.
| Policy | Finding | Weight | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP3 | fail | deficient communal space for 8 occupiers, and a bulky front bin and cycle store out of keeping with an open frontage; SLP PS2 and the Framework's high-quality design (DL 7-11) | |
| L2 | neutral | the Framework seeks efficient use of buildings but only with acceptable living standards (DL 20) |
Key facts
- Not re-consulted: changes "do not affect the merits of this case in a material way" (DL 2)
- Existing C4 use not treated as a fallback because it would be no more harmful (DL 18)
Sources
This note is one of the decisions behind the NPPF 2026 Navigator, which shows how each Framework test has been applied across all the decisions in the database. Also available as Markdown.