Cedar Drive Dartford New Build HMO

This project represents a full-service delivery of a complex new-build and HMO development in Dartford, managed from initial design through to construction, compliance, and final certification. The scheme involved the design and construction of a three-storey end-of-terrace building, incorporating new trench footings, cavity wall construction, and a full timber structural system for floors and roof.

Due to site constraints and local authority requirements, the overall building height was increased by 300 mm to achieve compliant floor-to-ceiling heights, while remaining within planning tolerances. Given the site’s flood-risk classification, a fully compliant flood defence strategy was designed and installed, ensuring long-term resilience and regulatory approval.

A key technical challenge was the ground-floor accommodation. Our team developed and successfully obtained approval for a bespoke floor system that met structural, thermal, and flood-resilience requirements while allowing compliant residential use at ground level — maximising usable floor area and overall scheme value.

At a later stage, the project was expanded to include a loft conversion, bringing the total accommodation to six bedrooms. The loft was carefully designed to meet the minimum required head height of 2.1 m, overcoming planning and building control constraints without compromising usability or comfort.

The completed development operates as a six-bedroom HMO. We managed the full HMO process, including layout optimisation, fire strategy design, and successful licence approval. The property fully complies with current HMO standards and fire regulations, including:

• Fire risk assessment and fire safety strategy

• FD-rated fire doors throughout

• Compliant means of escape

• Electrical safety and certification

• Integrated fire detection and alarm systems

  
  

Each bedroom benefits from a private en-suite bathroom, significantly enhancing rental demand and long-term occupancy. The property also includes a large, high-quality shared kitchen, with two rooms further benefiting from private kitchenettes — offering flexibility for tenant profiles and increased rental yield.

From a technical and regulatory perspective, the project required careful coordination across multiple disciplines. Our team successfully addressed challenges including radon protection, flood risk mitigation, HMO compliance, planning approval, building control sign-off, and the provision of a 10-year structural warranty for the new build.

The result is a fully compliant, high-performing HMO asset that maximises site potential, meets all statutory requirements, and delivers strong long-term returns — demonstrating our ability to manage technically complex projects while maintaining a clear commercial focus.