9 — Conversions and subdivisions.

Proposals for conversion to residential use and subdivision of existing residential properties to self contained homes in Havering will be supported where it can be demonstrated that: i. There is no conflict with surrounding uses; ii. The existing house being subdivided has no less than 120 sq m of original floor space, including internal circulation, and the subdivision would provide a minimum of one family unit of 3 or more bedrooms; iii. The new family unit is preferably on the ground floor with direct access to private, good quality, usable amenity space; iv. The living areas of new properties do not abut the bedrooms of adjoining properties; v. Safe, secure and convenient access is provided to each unit from the street; and vi. The parking standards set out in Policy 24 are met. 7.7.1 Subdivision of existing houses and conversion of commercial floor space have been important sources of additional housing in Havering, particularly for smaller households. The Council acknowledges that there is a shortage of housing and the need to consistently increase the supply of high quality housing to meet the needs of residents. However, given that the Outer North East London Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) reports a pressing need for family homes of 3 bedrooms or more for both affordable and market housing, this policy sets out the criteria whereby conversion and subdivision schemes will contribute to the supply of priority family accommodation in Havering. 7.7.2 The threshold of 120 sq m for the subdivision of houses has been set to enable the retention of smaller dwellings for smaller households of single persons and young couples on moderate income, while permitting houses with greater floor space to be subdivided to provide a range of dwelling sizes and types. The subdivision of existing small houses consisting of floor space below 120 sq m into two smaller units will therefore not be supported. 7.7.3 All new development of either conversion or subdivision will be required to provide at least one 3b4p family unit with a minimum of 74 sq m of floor space, and a 1b1p or 1b2p flat with a floor space range of 37 - 50 sq m. This is consistent with standards set out by the Department for Communities and Local Government in its 'Technical housing standards - nationally described space standard' (2015). It has been established that conversion or subdivision schemes with a floor space of 120sq m can accommodate the retention of a family unit alongside the provision of an additional unit which meet the minimum space standards. The family unit should be on the ground floor with access to private, good quality, usable amenity space. The threshold of 120 sq m for the subdivision of houses has been set to enable the retention of smaller dwellings for smaller households of single persons and young couples on moderate income, while permitting houses with greater floor space to be subdivided to provide a range of dwelling sizes and types. The subdivision of existing houses consisting of floor space below 120 sq m into two smaller units will therefore not be supported. 7.7.4 In the particular circumstances of subdividing a heritage asset, the Council recognises that a different dwelling mix may be required to enable development in order to retain distinctive townscape character, and the historic layout of the property. As such, flexibility will be applied in such instances. Local Plan 2016-2031 Adopted 2021 London Borough of Havering 7 Successful Places to Live 7.7.5 Subdivisions of basements should be carried out taking account of policies relating to Policies 7 and 31. 7.7.6 Proposals for conversions and subdivisions should also comply with other relevant requirements in the Local Plan, such as those relating to the provision of amenity space, privacy, daylight, parking and access, and refuse and recycling storage and collection as provided by the Residential design and amenity, Parking provision and design and waste management policies (Policies 7, 24 and 35 respectively).

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