Temporary homeless accommodation at 7/9 London Road, Widley, Waterlooville

The site and its setting

The site comprises two semi-detached properties in a residential urban area, with access from London Road and pedestrian access from Hillside Avenue.

“This proposal relates to a pair of semi-detached properties located on the western side of London Road. One of the properties was previously in residential use and the other in use as a B&B. The site is therefore split into two, with a wall separating the sites to the rear. The building has a hipped roof with a projecting front gable wall. There is a flat roof extension to the side.”

“Vehicular access to the site is accessible via London Road with pedestrian access also available on Hillside Avenue. There is an existing gravel driveway located to the front of the site which spans both nos 7 and 9. The rear of the site has been split into two, with half of this a private garden space and half a tarmac area providing space for…”

Officer report

Earlier site history

Earlier applications concerned alterations to a rear car park and a detached chalet.

“/5103 /01- alteration to layout of car park (8 spaces) rear of 9 London Road 28/6/1989”

“88/51073 – one detached chalet REF 07/09/1988”

Officer report

What people said

There were 258 objections and six supporting comments, with concerns about HMO impacts, parking, traffic, antisocial behaviour, management and local services.

“Overcrowding • Noise disturbance from increase in occupancy • Bin / waste issues / overspilling bins • Change in Character and Balance of the Local Housing Stock / Loss of Family-Oriented Housing • Too many HMOs nearby • Fire risk • Anti social behaviour concerns • Impact on property value • Concerns over how this site will be managed • Transient nature of HMO residents may impact community cohesion due to high turnover of occupants • Use not appropriate for a residential…”

“Pressure on on street parking • Not enough on site parking • Particular concerns regarding parking on Hillside Avenue • Increase in road accidents • Obscuring view of the highway • Blocking of emergency access routes…”

Officer report

Who spoke

Councillors Diamond, Gray and Harrison addressed the committee, followed by a council officer representing the applicant.

What members discussed

Members considered public concerns, access to amenities, occupancy controls, parking, management and the possibility of a smaller four-unit scheme.

“Members discussed the report and the views expressed by the members of the public. Members noted that the views of the public and local residents are important, however it is acknowledged that they do not always fall into the material planning considerations required in order to reach a decision. Location and access to amenities was raised as a concern that possible future occupants may have.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee granted permission for the proposed temporary accommodation, subject to Natural England consultation, a unilateral undertaking and planning conditions.

“Members supported the use of the property for Temporary Accommodation but not in the current form with some Members expressing support for a revised scheme. Members discussed a possible amendment to this recommendation. Councillor Norton proposed an amendment to the recommendation to change the application to four residential units. Officers advised that a revised scheme would be a different application and that they could only determine the application in front of them.”

“(A) No objection from Natural England being received within a further statutory 21 day consultation period; (B) Completion of a Unilateral Undertaking to secure a financial contribution for the monitoring of the Third Party Nutrient Mitigation Scheme and towards the Solent Recreation Mitigation Strategy. (C) The following conditions (subject to such changes and/or additions that the Interim Head of Planning considers necessary to impose prior to the issuing of the decision)”

Minutes

Main controls on the use

The permission limits occupancy to 24 residents and requires parking, ecological protection, noise measures, water efficiency and construction controls.

“The development hereby permitted shall not be occupied until: (a) A water efficiency calculation in accordance with the Government's National Calculation Methodology for assessing water efficiency in new dwellings has been undertaken which demonstrates that no more than 110 litres of water per person per day shall be consumed within the development, and this calculation has been submitted to, and approved in writing by, the Local Planning Authority; and (b) All measures…”

“Prior to occupation a noise validation report demonstrating compliance with these noise criteria shall be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority before the development is occupied. This assessment shall be conducted with windows open for ventilation, unless mechanical ventilation has been provided, in which case these tests shall be performed with such mechanical ventilation running.”

Minutes