Earlier this year, Thurrock Council ruled planning permission would be required before the number of occupants could increase from six to seven. Developers disputed that decision, arguing the addition of a single resident would not amount to a significant change in the property's use, before submitting a formal planning application in July. The proposal has so far attracted four objections from nearby residents, with concerns focusing on parking and loss of privacy. Their recommendations include the provision of two off-street parking spaces and secure cycle storage. "It would be unreasonable to require the provision of two off-street parking spaces as a consequence of adding one additional occupant to an existing HMO use, particularly where the site has no frontage capable of accommodating off-street parking," they said.