Enfield Council Approves HMO Despite Previous Refusals

Enfield Council has issued retrospective planning permission for the former Station Tavern to operate as a house in multiple occupation (HMO). The decision follows two prior applications for the property to be used in this manner, both of which were refused. The council stated that retrospective developments are assessed based on their planning merits.

Property in Use Before Approval

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Evidence suggests the Station Tavern was already functioning as an HMO before the retrospective permission was granted last month. During a visit in March, one month before the approved start date, signs indicated residents were living there, including a collection of letter boxes labelled for "HMO rooms". The council had previously confirmed it was investigating concerns raised in October about the building's conversion without permission.

Council's Justification for Decision

A spokesperson for Enfield Council stated that retrospective development must be evaluated on its planning merits, irrespective of whether work commenced before permission was obtained. The council indicated that the application was deemed acceptable against planning policy and that no errors requiring corrective action were identified. The retrospective application was approved by senior officer Karen Page, head of planning and building control, and includes significant planning conditions.

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One condition requires a verification report confirming the implementation of approved drainage and flood risk mitigation measures by 23 July. Failure to submit and gain approval for this report could result in the permission to use the property as an HMO ceasing until the report is confirmed.

Applicant's Connection to Previous Development

The applicant for the HMO is identified as 'Mr Tepe'. This individual shares a surname with the applicant behind a previous proposal for a tower block on the same site, known as 'Tepe Tower'. That scheme was rejected by councillors in November 2024 after multiple attempts, with planning officers having previously described it as "unsafe".