Nine-bedroom HMO at 135 High Street, Gosport

What was proposed

The application proposed converting upper-floor and part ground-floor commercial space into a nine-bedroom HMO, with extensions, storage, parking and a new pedestrian access.

“CHANGE OF USE OF FIRST FLOOR AND PART OF GROUND FLOOR FROM COMMERCIAL (CLASS E) TO A 9 BEDROOM HOUSE IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION (HMO) (SUI-GENERIS), EXTERNAL ALTERATIONS TO INCLUDE ERECTION OF FIRST FLOOR FRONT AND REAR EXTENSIONS, NEW CYCLE STORAGE, BIN STORAGE AND FORMALISED PARKING, WITH A NEW PEDESTRIAN ACCESS FROM THORNGATE WAY (CONSERVATION AREA) (as amplified by information received 16.10.25 and amended by plans received 11.12.25) 135 High Street Gosport Hampshire PO12 1EA”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a two-storey commercial building on High Street, with a rear yard, surrounding shops, homes, apartments and a vacant police station.

“The site is located on the south side of High Street and comprises a two-storey commercial building. The building has a flat roof and on the front elevation has a small recessed first floor, with the roof over. There is currently netting over the openings within this recess. On the rear elevation the first floor is an 'L' shape, being deeper on the western side.”

“The surrounding area, is a mix of commercial and residential uses. Katie's is located to the east and is a bar and restaurant, which also has live music events. It is within a two-storey building that is sited approximately 5m further north than the application site and has a large single storey rear projection on the rear, extending to a similar depth as the application building.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

consultees raised no objections overall, while recommending conditions or mitigation for ecology, materials, noise, flooding, waste, parking and environmental impacts.

“Local Highway Authority No objection. The change of use will result in a similar amount of trips which is acceptable in this instance. Parking is a matter to be considered by Gosport Borough Council as the Local Planning Authority to ensure the proposed levels of parking falls in line with their adopted standards.”

“Environmental Health No objection. Having considered the noise impact assessment the applicant should undertake mitigation measures listed in the report to ensure that the internal and external criteria of BS8233 is met within the noise sensitive rooms. These should be secured as part of any approval.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke for the applicant, describing the accommodation, retained shops, accessibility and expected benefits; a councillor spoke in support.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed reduced retail space, possible benefits to the high street, parking availability and the proposal’s effect on existing commercial uses.

“A Member expressed concern that retail space was being reduced which would prevent larger stores from wanting to retail there. Other Members felt that the proposal would increase footfall and spend in the High Street.”

“Members were advised that retailers do not require permission to subdivide larger units and did not require such large back office space anymore, and that the proposal was important to add improvement to the High Street.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee resolved to approve the application subject to the conditions set out for the development.

“RESOLVED: That application 25/00214/FULL be approved subject to the conditions in the report of the Head of Development Management.”

Minutes