East Barnet Pub Approved as HMO Despite Backdating
Enfield Council grants retrospective permission for Station Tavern to operate as a house in multiple occupation.
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Enfield Council has granted part retrospective planning permission for the former Station Tavern pub in East Barnet to operate as a house in multiple occupation (HMO). The approval, reference 26/01472/FUL, backdates permission to April this year. This decision was made despite indications that the property was already functioning as an HMO before this approved date.
Council's Stance on Retrospective Applications
A spokesperson for Enfield Council stated that retrospective developments are evaluated based on their planning merits, irrespective of whether work commenced before permission was obtained. The council indicated that the application was assessed against planning policy and found to be acceptable, asserting that there were no errors necessitating corrective action. The decision was made under the authority of Karen Page, the council's head of planning and building control.
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Investigation and Conditions
Concerns about the building being converted into an HMO without permission were raised in October last year, prompting an investigation by the council. At the time, the council confirmed it was looking into the matter but could not provide further details due to an ongoing live investigation. Evidence gathered in March, prior to the approved start date, included a mailbox sign indicating 'Letters here for HMO rooms', suggesting occupancy. A verification report concerning drainage and flood risk mitigation measures must be submitted by July 23. Failure to do so could result in the permission ceasing until the report is approved.
Applicant and Previous Proposals
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The applicant for the HMO is identified as 'Mr Tepe'. This is the same surname as the individual behind a previous proposal for a tower block on the same site, known as 'Tepe Tower'. That scheme was refused by councillors in November 2024 after planning officers had repeatedly advised against it, describing it as 'unsafe'.
Questions this report answers
+Why did the council approve the HMO despite it being backdated?
The council approved the HMO because it judged the application on its planning merits, not on whether work started before permission was granted. This means the decision was based on whether the property met planning policies, regardless of the timing of its use as an HMO.
+What happens if the verification report isn’t submitted by July 23?
If the verification report on drainage and flood risk mitigation isn’t submitted by July 23, the permission could cease until the report is approved. This means the HMO’s operation would be suspended until the council confirms the property meets safety standards.
+Who applied for the HMO conversion at the Station Tavern?
The applicant for the HMO conversion is identified as 'Mr Tepe', the same person behind the previously refused 'Tepe Tower' proposal. This means the same individual is involved in both schemes for the same site.
Barnet Press News Desk
This article was written at the Barnet Press news desk from the reporting of the outlets listed below it. Drafting is done by a language model under human editorial supervision — there is no reporter behind this byline, and we would rather say so than invent one.
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