Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
Illegal Conversions- Why Are They Allowed to Stand?
I was just looking at the recent LCSP minutes and noted two points (below) on conversions. One seems to have to be converted back to a house, the other can remain as flats.
I have never understood why something can be converted to a flat/HMO and just because it has managed to go un-noted for whatever length of time is allowed it may benefit from retrospective permissions to remain as such, even though at the time the work was carried out the planning regulations would have stipulated that the conversion could not go ahead.
Can someone educate me as to why there is such a 'statue of limitations' on what were, and should still be, illegal conversions? What is the difference between these two properties?
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41 Umfreville Road, N4
- The LCSP joined local residents in objecting to an application for a certificate of lawfulness for 4 flats at this address, on the grounds that this property had only recently been converted. However, LBH Planning have agreed to the change of use, stating that the evidence provided ‘on balance’ demonstrates that the flat conversion occurred over 4 years ago.
74 Burgoyne Road, N4
- This property was turned into 4 flats several years ago, without appropriate permissions.
- The LCSP’s objections, along with those of other local residents, were upheld by LBH Planning/Enforcement, and the owner appealed to the Planning Inspectorate.
This appeal has now been dismissed, and the property must revert to its previous configuration of 2 flats
Tags for Forum Posts: HMOs, illegal conversions
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jamie To on
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Jonny. Done that. Nothing happening. Just same old same old for over 10 years.
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Permalink Reply by Takaokagiejin on
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This is why I am concerned that there is support for the creation of illegally converted HMOs in the old factory units around Vale and Hermitage Roads. Aside from the noise, waste and general disruption caused by some of the tenants, it sets a very dangerous precedent through which landlords can totally ignore planning regulations and, in this case, be rewarded for it. See the discussion here
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I totally agree Takaokagiejin. These landlords ignore planning regulations are then rewarded with certificate of lawfulness or further granting planning permission of building properties in an area space of a garage that fits a car. Disgusting!!! Planning granted with no consideration to residents and property owners. I had 58 signatures from residents objecting to granting planning (97% circa), but this makes no difference. Haringey Council make up their own rules and laws.
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Tried calling councillor Karen, but line engaged. No reply from mobile. I don't think any Haringey Councillor has their mobile switched on. I have called so many this week, I have lost count, all going through to voicemail. Ummmm.... Ignorance is bliss.
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Here is an article in today's Haringey Independent:
http://www.haringeyindependent.co.uk/news/11090929._My_neighbour_is...
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To be shallow for a moment. That is a fantastic photo, Jamie you rock!
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Thanks Takaokagiejin. I hate having my picture taken, but done in for my fellow neighbours.
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Permalink Reply by pamish on
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So what are the advantages to both the local council, and nationally, of all these HMOs? Who surveys the people who live there? I doubt that many of them are on HoL for example. As a slightly observation-based guess, I'd say many of them provide housing for people recently arrived in the UK. They bring their mates into the house. Rent is paid cash, they work for cash. Where else are they going to be housed? The standard of provision is low, but maybe they don't have many possessions, so they can squeeze in and share rooms, acknowledged by the landlord or not. If suddenly there were no HMOs, where would these people go? There are already dozens of men living in pop-up tents on Tottenham Marshes that are folded down during the day so the quite extensive campsite there is invisible to any daytime surveillance. Not exactly homeless, and nowhere on any statistics.
I'm not defending HMOs, I get very pissed off by the three in my road with overflowing unsorted bins and unloved gardens. But without including the bigger picture, how can this neo-Dickensian profiteering be challenged, what's to stop anyone with access to a lump of cash from thinking that opening up an HMO is a very good idea indeed? Especially in a borough with about three people left in the planning department. No need for bribes when the chance of being caught and prosecuted is so low.
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Haringey is over populated and then the council bring in CPZ parking. That is great, we pay, but still cannot park on the road because over populated. If a house has 4 bedsits, each bedsit can apply for residents parking permits. Great! Now the scum landlady who owns the property next to me is building to the garages next to it for a 1 bed two floor flat (its the size of a garage to fit a car!!!!!), has previously applied for 4 flats on the same plot. I asked head of planning last week, can he guarantee that the scum landlady does not apply for more floor space in a few years and he could not even answer me. Why?
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