# 7 Caledonia Road, Stanwell (6-bed HMO to 8-bed HMO)

- **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
- **Tags:** hmo, design-refusal, transitional-no-consultation, tier-2

## 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
- **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
- https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/comment-planning-appeal/appeals/6010568
- https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/published-document/12ec3fa4-e956-433d-a6be-b71d4561eb56

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Source: https://planningdistilled.org/research/england/nppf-navigator/decisions/PINS-6010568.html

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