Seven-person HMO at 1 Domum Road, Portsmouth

What was proposed

The application sought to change a dwelling into a seven-bedroom, seven-person house in multiple occupation, amended from an earlier eight-person proposal.

“The proposal is for the change of use of the property from a dwellinghouse (Class C3) to a 7 Bedroom - 7 Person House in Multiple Occupation (Sui Generis). It should be noted the proposal was initially submitted as an 8 Bedroom - 8 Person HMO, however the LPA engaged with the applicant to achieve a better standard of accommodation for the future occupiers, and amended plans were received on 6.03.2026.”

“Ground Floor - Two bedrooms (single occupancy) with ensuite shower rooms; communal combined amenity area, tanks room, separate WC; • First Floor - Two bedrooms (single occupancy) with ensuite shower rooms; one bedroom (single occupancy) with an off-suite shower room; • Second floor - Two bedrooms (single occupancy) with ensuite shower rooms.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The semi-detached property has no off-street parking, a rear garden and nearby shops, transport, a school and a park.

“The application site comprises a semi‑detached property on the southern side of Domum Road, a residential street located between Kensington Road and Copnor Road. To the east of the site is a garage court, served by a private access road that provides a through‑route between Domum Road and Mayfield Road, and facilitates access to the adjoining garages. The site does not benefit from any off‑street parking.”

“The site is located approximately 50m from Copnor Road North Local Centre, which accommodates a range of shops, services, leisure uses and local bus routes. Hilsea railway station is situated around 1.2 km to the north. The site is not within a Residents’ Parking Zone and there are no parking restrictions on Domum Road. The property lies approximately 100m east of Mayfield School and around 100m north of College Park.”

Officer report

Earlier application

A single-storey rear extension was granted prior approval not required before this application was considered.

“25/00051/GPDC Construction of single storey rear extension, extending 6m beyond the rear wall - Prior Approval not required 13.01.2026”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers concluded the proposal was acceptable and recommended conditional permission, subject to a legal agreement securing mitigation for Solent protection areas.

“RECOMMENDATION I - That delegated authority be granted to the Assistant Director of Planning & Economic Growth to Grant Conditional Permission subject to satisfactory completion of a legal agreement to secure:”

“(a) the mitigation of the impact of the proposed residential development on Solent Special Protection Areas (recreational disturbance and nitrates) by securing the payment of a financial contribution and relevant conditions (below);”

Officer report

Officers’ main findings

Officers found the HMO concentration, accommodation, neighbour impacts and highways effects acceptable, with cycle storage secured by condition.

“The HMO SPD is supported by an assessment of the need for, and supply of, shared housing in Portsmouth and of the impacts of high concentrations of HMOs on local communities. Paragraphs 9.1-9.10 discuss the negative impacts of HMO concentrations on local communities and points to the cumulative environmental effects of HMO concentrations.”

“The Council's Adopted Parking Standards set out an expectation for Sui Generis HMOs of this size to provide space for the storage of 4 bicycles. The application proposes a bike store be provided in the rear garden, this will be secured by condition. With this the scheme complies with Policy PCS17.”

Officer report

What people objected to

Seventy-three representations opposed the proposal, citing parking, overdevelopment, noise, privacy, safeguarding, waste, infrastructure, family housing and room sizes.

“Seventy‑three representations have been received, all objecting to the proposal. Among these are objections from Amanda Martin MP, Councillor Swann and Councillor Simpson.”

“Parking pressure and highway safety: road used by school staff/parents, local businesses, visitors, residents from nearby restricted parking areas. • Overdevelopment: conversion of a 3-bed home into an 8-bed home considered excessive and not in keeping with the area. • Impact on residential amenity: increased noise, comings and goings; loss of privacy due to additional rooms overlooking neighbouring properties.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A member of the public and two councillors spoke against the application, while the applicant spoke in favour.

What members debated

Members debated bedroom headroom, accommodation standards, parking, privacy, noise, human rights, party wall damage and the low number of local HMOs.

“Members' Comments In discussion, members made the following comments: • Some members felt bedroom 1 did not provide an acceptable living standard nor a good standard of accommodation and there were discrepancies in how numbers were applied. A ceiling height of 1.8 m was not comfortable and 1.5m was even worse. A significant proportion of the total floor area was below an acceptable head height. Other members noted at least 10m 2 of the area was more than 1.5m high.”

“Members sympathised with [name withheld] about the party wall damage and hoped it was being rectified and he would receive adequate compensation but it was a different issue to the planning matter. • Members were glad to see space for cycle storage. The bedrooms were ensuite and in accordance with local and national policies and standards. Light was satisfactory and there were very low numbers of HMOs in the neighbourhood.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee resolved to grant conditional permission, subject to the Solent mitigation agreement and delegated authority over conditions or refusal if the agreement was not completed.

“RESOLVED that 1. Delegated authority be granted to the Assistant Director of Planning & Economic Growth to Grant Conditional Permission subject to satisfactory completion of a legal agreement to secure: (a) the mitigation of the impact of the proposed residential development on Solent Special Protection Areas (recreational disturbance and nitrates) by securing the payment of a financial contribution and relevant conditions (below); 2.”

Minutes