Plans have been submitted to Richmond Council to convert a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) on Larkfield Road back into a four-bedroom single-family dwelling.

The application, put forward by J. Wood, proposes restoring the property to its original use and reinstating many of its heritage features.

On behalf of the applicant, McLaren Architecture Ltd said: "This conversion process will also see a number of betterment steps taken to restore the building back toward its original heritage and architectural importance."

Existing ground floor (credit: Planning application).

The project would see significant external and internal improvements, including:

• Demolition of the existing 1980s rear extension and replacement with a full-width extension in traditional stock brick with lead flashing.
• Reconfiguration of the side extension to align better with the façade, set back 1m to remain subservient to the main frontage.
• Replacement of all PVC windows with traditional sash designs and ironmongery fittings.
• Removal of the pebble-dashed façade and application of lime-based render in a neutral finish.
• New soft landscaping in the front garden with a mosaic tile finish above the concrete slab.
• Replacement of the concrete slab in the rear garden with soft landscaping and a stonework patio.
• An internal redesign to reinstate original room proportions and period detailing such as skirting, cornices, architraves and mouldings.

Proposed ground floor (credit: Planning application).

McLaren Architecture Ltd added: "It is considered the proposal will convert the property back to its original use as a single-family dwelling with a high level of finish throughout; part of this renovation process will see much of the original fabric restored.

"It is therefore considered that the proposed development will offer a significant betterment to the site, property and wider street scene."

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Two neighbours have put forward their support for the plans saying the property as a single-family unit would "improve" the house and "fabric" of the area. 

Proposed first floor (credit: Planning application).

Brian O'Neill said: "I was delighted to find out that the owner has planned to return the house to single occupancy from multi-occupancy.

"The proposed works will improve the existing building and enhance the fabric of the street significantly. Under multi-occupancy, the house had fallen into a state of disrepair and neglect.

"The reduction in occupancy levels will ease the burden on parking spaces on the street generally."

James Cook added: "Very simply, the property under its previous ownership became run down and a black mark for the street.

"The proposed changes will obviously much improve the situation to the advantage of the whole road. With an owner occupier (rather than lodgers in bedsits who had no interest in maintaining the fabric) there will be an incentive to maintain standards for the benefit of neighbours."

The application is currently under consideration by Richmond Council. To read the full plans click here.

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