Key Points
- Sutton Council received an application to increase bedrooms in a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) at 1 Link Lane, Wallington, from six to eight.
- The application was submitted in October and is currently under consideration by the council, with a decision expected by December 4.
- The property will feature enhanced fire safety measures including fire-resistant walls, floors, ceilings, and smoke-sealed doors.
- The house is accessible for fire engines from both front and back.
- Sutton Council has received 31 objections from local residents expressing concerns about parking, traffic congestion, safety, and the impact on the family-oriented community.
- Support or objection statements can be submitted until November 11.
What is the plan for the HMO at 1 Link Lane, Wallington?
As reported by the Sutton Guardian, Sutton Council received an application in October to increase the number of bedrooms at the HMO located at 1 Link Lane from six to eight. An HMO, or House in Multiple Occupation, is defined as a property rented out as a main residence to at least three tenants forming more than one household, who share kitchens, bathrooms, or toilets.
The application form indicates that the current property houses six people, and the proposal is to raise this to eight occupants. However, a formal planning statement has not been made publicly available on Sutton Council’s planning portal.
How will fire safety be addressed in the HMO expansion?
According to the application details seen by Your Local News, the applicant described comprehensive fire safety measures to comply with regulations. These include protecting the main escape route — covering stairs, hallways, and landings — with fire-resistant walls, floors, and ceilings.
Additionally, all doors along this escape route are to have 30-minute fire resistance, smoke seals, and automatic closing mechanisms. The final exit will be operable quickly without a key, and emergency lighting will assist evacuation during power outages. The building’s design aims to prevent fire spreading between rooms and keep the escape route safe. Fire engines can access the property easily from the front and rear.
What concerns do local residents have about the plan?
Local residents voiced strong opposition to the proposal, as covered by the Wallington Times. Through 31 formal objections, community members highlighted worries about the impact on parking, traffic, and community safety.
Geraldine Skill stated,
“Link Lane is a peaceful, residential neighbourhood which thrives on community spirit. Families move here due to the locality of the schools, which intensifies the community spirit. My primary concern relates to parking and traffic congestion in the area. The proposed HMO is likely to significantly increase the number of residents at the property, many of whom may own vehicles.”
Ravi Hungraz expressed safety concerns saying,
“The proposal will disrupt the best interest of local residents in terms of safety concerns, anti-social behaviours and congestion issues it will bring; bearing in mind a primary school is also opposite the property.”
Other residents like Rimple Phillips remarked,
“This is a family area, and we do not want this ruined by an 8-bedroom HMO. Link Lane and the surrounding area will be ruined, and this HMO does not fit in the area at all.”
Sue Steel added,
“Link Lane and the surrounding roads are all residential and family housing. There is a very family-oriented vibe, where the community all support each other and helps everyone out. There is also an infant/junior school right opposite this property, who knows what type of resident could potentially end up living in the HMO. I am strongly opposed to the property being converted.”
What is Sutton Council’s timeline and how can the public participate?
As detailed by Sutton Council’s planning department, the application is currently “pending consideration.” The council aims to reach a decision by December 4, 2025.
Residents and interested parties can still submit their statements of support or objections until November 11, encouraging public engagement prior to the final decision.
