Flexible dwelling or HMO at 135 Laburnum Grove, Portsmouth

What was proposed

The application sought flexible use of two flats as one dwellinghouse or a house in multiple occupation, with five single-occupancy bedrooms.

“The proposal is for the change of use of the property from two existing flats (Class C3) to a dwellinghouse (Class C3) or House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) (Class C4). If granted, this would allow the applicant to use the property flexibly as either a C4 HMO or a C3 dwellinghouse for a period of up to 10 years under the rights granted under Class V, Part 3 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015.”

“Ground Floor - two bedrooms (single occupancy); communal combined amenity area; conservatory • First Floor - Three bedrooms (all single occupancy), two shared bathrooms with WC and handbasin.”

Officer report

The site and its history

The property contains upper and lower flats, subdivided in 1984, and is near local centres, services and frequent bus routes.

“The application site is two flats (upper and lower) located at 135 Laburnum Grove. The application site was subdivided into flats in 1984.”

“The site is approximately 450 m from London Road Local Centre and 500m from Copnor Road Local Centres where there are a range of shops, leisure, employment and services. In addition, there are frequent local bus services in both locations. There are no parking restrictions nearby, and the nearest train station is Hilsea, 1.6km to the northeast.”

Officer report

Who spoke

There were no deputations, while the Head of Development Management presented the application and answered members’ questions.

Members’ debate

Some members opposed losing two flats, while others considered the accommodation high quality and compliant with planning policies.

“Officers confirmed that neither the adopted Local Plan nor the Council's HMO Supplementary Planning Document contained policies protecting specific housing types, dwelling sizes or existing housing stock from their loss or conversion. Whilst there was a recognised need to deliver family housing as part of new developments, there was no planning policy preventing the loss of existing flats in favour of a larger dwelling or HMO accommodation.”

“Other Members considered that the proposal represented a high-quality form of accommodation regardless of whether it was occupied as a family dwelling or an HMO. It was noted that the property would provide generous room sizes, adequate communal facilities and a good standard of living for future occupiers. Members also noted that there were no significant external alterations proposed and that the development complied with relevant planning policies.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee resolved to grant conditional planning permission.

“RESOLVED that conditional planning permission be granted.”

Minutes

Permission conditions

The permission required cycle storage and restricted occupation of the property as an HMO to five people.

“Cycle storage Prior to first occupation of the property as a House in Multiple Occupation within Use Class C4, secure and weatherproof bicycle storage facilities for four bicycles shall be provided at the site and shall thereafter be retained for the parking of bicycles at all times.”

“When in C4 House in Multiple Occupation use, the property shall not be occupied by more than 5 persons at any time.”

Officer report