A petition opposing the conversion of a Hampton family home into 11 bedsits is to be handed in during the full meeting of Richmond Council.

The owner of the house wants to use the property as a house of multiple occupancy (HMO) with the intention of it being “social rented,” according to a planning application.

Plans for 6 Morland Close include the conversion of the living room into a bedroom and the addition of two partition walls downstairs.

There are 131 objections on the application and no comments of support.

Some objectors said they were concerned that HMOs were “exploitative”, suggesting it was “greedy” to have that many people in a house for profit.

Others said a HMO was “incompatible” with the area, and would “significantly increase traffic,” as well as putting pressure on waste disposal services.

David Loxton, who lives on the road, said it was “funny” the application referred to “social renting” as that is normally provided by councils or not-for-profit organisations, which was “not the case here.”

Residents handed the petition to Councillor Geoffrey Samuel, of Hampton North ward, who strongly opposed the plans, at York House on Wednesday, November 15.

He said: “I’m beginning to feel quite hopeful.

“It’s a big petition covering a wide area. Two residents will be asking questions at the council meeting this November and I’m hopeful we’ll make progress.

“The idea of turning a family home into an 11 room bedsit is horrifying.

“It will be like a hostel and is totally inappropriate.

Agent Rameez Tahir, of Pegasus Architecture, who is the agent named on the application, said: “It's an HMO, fair enough, but it's not affecting the neighbours in any way; all the work that has been done is internal and the tenants won't even have cars.”

“The client has paid all the fees to the council and has taken care to make it safe: there is provision for recycling, fire doors, smoke alarms, and wide windows so that in a fire anyone can escape.”

Councillor Samuel expressed concern that HMOs were becoming a “widespread problem” in London.

He warned: “If the council doesn’t do something now then it will become a problem in Richmond.”

The full council meeting will be taking place on Tuesday, November 28.

To comment on the planning application go here.