Rainham Road office will become 'luxury' seven-bed HMO

Located at 154 Rainham Road in Rainham, the former office will be converted into shared housing after planning approval was granted.

The application was made in October last year and 10 months later - on July 9 - Havering Council deemed the project acceptable.

The end-of-terrace property was originally a house before being turned into office space, and it has since been extended with a double-storey side extension, a rear extension, and a garage and store area.

It can last be seen in use on Google Maps in 2012 by Construction Sealants Ltd.

The planning application, submitted by agent KMDS Designs on behalf of Constructions Sealants Limited, described the proposal as a "high-quality residential conversion" which would offer "well-designed accommodation that meets modern housing needs while preserving the character and function of the surrounding area".

Each of the seven bedrooms will include a built-in wardrobe or cupboard, kitchenette, and private en-suite bathroom, according to the plans.

The planning statement said the property will be "finished to a luxury standard, designed to appeal to professional tenants seeking higher-quality shared accommodation".

It also claimed that the conversion would not negatively impact neighbours and argued that the activity level of seven tenants would be similar to that of a large household.

The applicant suggested that the scheme could reduce overall traffic and described the HMO as being well located in relation to public transport and local amenities in Rainham.

The council has ordered that the development must begin within three years of the permission date and all work must be carried out exactly in line with the approved plans listed in the decision notice.

The property can only be used as an HMO with a maximum of seven occupants at any time.