Councillors are set to approve two houses in multiple occupation in Erith despite neighbours’ concerns of overcrowding.

Controversial plans to redevelop a home in Winifred Road into two separate HMOs have caused a stir with residents upset with the changes.

A house of multiple occupancy is a building featuring at least four bedrooms used by unrelated individuals.

A petition has been signed by 16 neighbours who say similar set-ups in the area have created an “unattractive and unhealthy” living environment.

Planners at the council have backed the scheme, which would have one six-bed and one four-bed shared home built despite more than a dozen objections.

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Residents say existing homes have been poorly managed, leading to rats and vermin in the streets and concerns over safety.

There are three other HMOs in the area, which according to neighbours are not managing their bins correctly and causing problems with anti-social behaviour.

However, council officers have said has been no evidence to support their claims.

“A number of objections and the petition makes reference to anti-social behaviour from the other HMOs and fear that this HMO will have similar anti social behaviour.

“Planning legislation cannot control who takes residence in these HMOs or control the behaviour of occupants. Nevertheless, there is no evidence before the authority to support these assertions,” officers said.

“The proposed change of use from a house into two HMO would not lead to an over-concentration of HMOs within the immediate area and the proposal would not be to the detriment of the character and appearance of the street scene, conditions of highway safety or the residential amenities of nearby existing residents.”

The scheme will be debated by councillors on Thursday, December 13, before a final decision is made.