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# Planning refused for London Road HMO conversion
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/planning-refused-for-london-road-hmo-conversion/
- Published: 2024-11-25T12:51:18.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:29:32.000Z
- Description: A retrospective application to convert a family home into a house of multiple occupation (HMO) on London Road has been rejected.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Planning & Licensing, #article, Madison And Harper Capital, Ipswich Borough Council, #Import 2026-03-16 14:46

**The big picture:** The application sought permission to officially change the four-bedroom house into accommodation for five residents, after the conversion had already taken place.

**Why it matters**: The decision reinforces the council's stance on HMO concentration in Ipswich, where concerns about the impact on community balance and living standards have been growing.

![120 London Road, Ipswich](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1732538983-120-london-road-1.jpg)

The property would've been the third HMO within 20 properties on the same side of London Road Photo: Oliver Rouane-Williams (Ipswich.co.uk)

**The details**: Madison And Harper Capital Ltd applied to convert 120 London Road from a four-bedroom family home into a five-resident HMO. The application was refused under delegated powers by the council's head of planning.

Key concerns included:

- The property would be the third HMO within 20 properties on the northern side of the road
- No rear garden space for residents
- Inadequate cycle storage and parking facilities

**What they're saying**: James Mann MRTPI, Head of Planning and Development, cited "potential negative community impacts" including increased activity levels, noise and disturbance, and pressure on parking in the refusal notice.

**What's next**: The property owner has three options:

- Appeal the decision by 12 February 2025
- Submit a revised application addressing the council's concerns
- Return the property to use as a single family home

**The bottom line**: The refusal aligns with council policies aimed at preventing clusters of HMOs in central Ipswich while ensuring adequate living standards for residents.

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