Six-person HMO at 55 Byron Road, Portsmouth

“The proposal is for the change of use of the property from a dwellinghouse (Class C3) to a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) (Class C4).”

“Ground Floor - one bedroom (single occupancy); communal combined amenity area; lounge • First Floor - Three bedrooms (single occupancy); shared shower room with WC, hand basin; shared WC with handbasin • Second Floor - Two bedrooms (single occupancy) one with en suite; shared Shower room with WC and handbasin…”

“26/00018/GPDC Construction of single storey rear extension, extending 3.96m beyond the rear wall, with a height of 3m to the eaves and maximum height of 3m Prior Approval Required and Granted 19.06.2026.”

“Having regard to all material planning considerations and representations it is concluded that the proposed change of use is acceptable and would be in accordance with the relevant policies of the Portsmouth Plan (2012), the HMO SPD, and the objectives of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (2026).”

“No objection. Bryon Road is a residential road with bus stops and local amenities in close proximity along Copnor Road. It is not considered that size of development would lead to a material impact to the function of the highway or result in any unacceptable safety impact. It is noted that due to the site constraints no off-road parking can be accommodated and therefore may increase parking pressure in the vicinity.”

“No objection. There is suitable living space and sanitary facilities for the proposed number of occupants. The property would likely require a licence under Part 2, Housing Act 2004.”

“Number of HMOs in the road, local area and wider city • Over development • Undue strain on local services and infrastructure, including sewage, drainage, waste management and Doctors/Dentists • Increase in noise and disturbance…”

“Increase in crime and anti-social behaviour • Lack of car parking provision leading to an increase in traffic and exacerbation of existing on-street parking problems • Concerns over waste storage…”

“Members' comments Members remained concerned about the visual impact on the street scene and the effect of the lowered floor on the appearance of the property.”

“Members were concerned about the amount of light into the first-floor bedroom due to the lowered ceiling across the window.”

“Members proposed and seconded refusal on the grounds of poor internal amenity for bedroom two, particularly due to lack of light and outlook, and adverse visual impact on the street scene from the internal floor arrangement being visible through the front window.”

“Officers clarified the wording of the two refusal reasons.”

“RESOLVED that conditional planning permission be refused.”