Eight-bed HMO at 98 Laburnum Grove, Portsmouth

What was proposed

The application sought to change a dwelling into an eight-bedroom, eight-person HMO and add side and rear dormers after removing the chimney stack.

“CHANGE OF USE FROM DWELLING HOUSE (CLASS C3) TO 8 BED HMO SUI GENERIS WITH ROOF ALTERATIONS INCLUDING SIDE AND REAR DORMERS FOLLOWING REMOVAL OF CHIMNEY STACK”

“26/00009/FUL | Change of use from dwelling house (Class C3) to 8 bed HMO Sui Generis with roof alterations including side and rear dormers following removal of chimney stack | 98 Laburnum Grove Portsmouth PO2 0ES”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The property is an end terrace on the corner of Laburnum Grove and Balfour Road, about 340 metres from a local centre and public transport.

“The application site is an end of terrace property on the corner of Laburnum Grove and Balfour Road. The existing property is two storeys as is typical with most properties in the area, although post-war reconstructions with an unusual geometric style exist directly adjacent to the application site.”

“The site is approximately 340m from London Road North Local Centre, where there are a range of shops, leisure, employment and services, and local buses. This area is classed within the adopted Parking SPD as being highly accessible.”

Officer report

Earlier approval

A single-storey rear extension had prior approval, and the applicant said it would be built alongside the roof works to enable the HMO conversion.

“26/00001/GPDC Construction of single storey rear extension; extending 6m from the rear wall, with a maximum height of 3m and measuring 3m to the eaves Prior Approval Required and Granted 13.02.2026”

Officer report

What people objected to

All 18 representations opposed the scheme, citing HMO concentration, parking, character, noise, services, crime, accommodation, drainage and loss of family housing.

“Number of HMOs in the area and wider city; • Non-compliance with planning policy ; • Overdevelopment of the site; • Impact on parking - highway safety, air quality, emergency services access; • Impact of local character; • Cumulative impact of multiple HMOs; • Impact from noise of the development; • Impact of local services, including doctors, dentists; the sewer network;”

“Increase instances of anti-social behaviour and crime; • Standard of accommodation and internal layout are not suitable for level of proposed occupancy; • Loss of family dwelling - Officer comment - This is not part of adopted local policy; • Prior approval application circumventing planning regulations; • Works commencing prior to the grant of planning permission - officer note no works have occurred at the time of the Planning Officer's site visit (12.02.2026); • Profits…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Development Management Lead presented the report, followed by deputations from the agent and the applicant.

Members discussed the dormer

Members questioned dormer policy, chimney removal and the surrounding context, then accepted that the dormer would fit the area with matching tiles.

“The surrounding context, including the bulk and form of nearby buildings and the recess of the dormer from the eaves was a key factor in supporting the recommendation.”

“Members' Comments Although Members were initially concerned about the boxy appearance of the dormer , following officer explanation they were satisfied that the design would not appear incongruous, particularly as the tiling would match the existing roof.”

Minutes