An application to create a seven-bed HMO in a suburban street has been refused planning permission – against the advice of planning officers. Members of Maidstone council’s planning committee rejected a bid from Geraldine Nkini Ndzi to convert a five-bedroom detached family bungalow at the end of Castle Dene in Ringlestone into a seven-bedroom home in multiple occupation (HMO). The proposal would have required raising the roof height and converting an existing garage into living accommodation, but it was the effect on parking that worried both neighbours and councillors. Castle Dene resident P…