Two flats with roof alterations at 114 Waverley Road, Southsea

What was proposed

The application sought two flats through conversion of the building, with a raised roof, rear dormer, reconstructed rear elevation and sound insulation.

“The proposal is for the conversion of the existing building to form 2 flats. The proposal includes external alteration, which include the re-construction of the rear (east) elevation, in order to physically separate the building from the adjoining terrace (including the neighbour recording studio).”

“The proposal would provide two 2-bedroom flats, one over the ground and first floor and one over the second and third. The ground and first floor flat would be accessed by the existing entrance to the southern side of the front elevation, the upper flat and bike and bin storage would be accessed via the second existing entrance to the northern side of the front elevation.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The building is beside Albert Road, residential terraces, commercial uses, a shared access and the adjoining Southsea Sound recording studio.

“The application site is located on the northern end of Waverley Road, adjacent to its junction with Albert Road, and adjacent to the Albert Road and Elm Grove District Centre (PCS8), which features a variety of shops and services. The adjoining property to the north, is a mixed use residential flat at first floor and Class E (Shop) at ground floor. To the rear (east) of the site is Southsea Sound - a recording studio set out over ground and first floor.”

“The existing building is a three-storey pitched roof building primarily finished in brick and tile with white UPVC windows and associated signage at first floor level sign. The site contains three commercial studio spaces, though part of the building is currently vacant and unlet. The studios have recently been let to variety of separate companies, which are all within the creative sector.”

Officer report

Earlier application

An earlier proposal for four flats, an additional storey, altered windows and refuse and cycle storage was withdrawn in August 2023.

“23/00745/FUL, Conversion to form 4no. flats, to include construction of additional storey, alterations to fenestration and provision of refuse and cycle storage. Withdrawn 11.08.2023”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers considered the change of use acceptable and recommended conditional permission, subject to an agreement securing protected-site mitigation.

“Having regard to all material planning considerations it is concluded that the proposed change of use is acceptable and would be in accordance with the relevant policies of the Portsmouth Plan (2012), the emerging Local Plan and the objectives of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (2024). Particular attention has been paid to the juxtaposition of the proposed residential use and the existing recording studio.”

“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 s.111 legal agreement to secure:”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways raised no objection, while Environmental Health, Contaminated Land and Natural England supported the scheme subject to conditions or mitigation.

“Following prolonged discussions and amendments, no objection is raised by the Environmental Health Officer, subject to three conditions relating to: New glazing in order to protect the occupants from traffic noise; Details of the proposed Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery System (MVHR) to be installed, and: Prior to the commencement of construction an assessment to be undertaken of the works likely to cause a significant disturbance in relation to noise and…”

“No objection subject to sufficient Special Protection Area mitigation being secured.”

Officer report

Objections received

Four representations, including one from Councillor Pitt, objected over access, the recording studio, noise, soundproofing, windows and overlooking.

“Four representations have been received in respect of the proposals, including one from Councillor Pitt. All object to the scheme.”

“Impact on the access from bins on the southern side of the site; • Impact of the construction/conversion and subsequent residential use upon Southsea Sound recording studio, must consider the Agent of Change seriously, must protect the valuable local business and music community. Needs sound- proofing condition, and care with windows and ventilation.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from an objector, a supporter and Councillor Steve Pitt speaking in opposition.

Members’ concerns

Members discussed construction noise, traffic noise and vibration, ventilation, parking standards, the recording studio’s importance and the Agent of Change principle.

“- Public - • The studio needs silence and so protection from outside noise, but does also produce sound that could be problematic for neighbours. • There is a lot of case law regarding the Agent of Change principle which requires developers, rather than existing businesses, to mitigate the impact of noise or other disturbances for new residents next to/near premises that produce noise. • The details of the ventilation system will be worked out with the Environmental Officer.”

“Members' Comments. During the discussion, members made the following comments: • It is clear that officers have looked at this application very closely. • The adjoining recording studio is very important to the economy of the city and is part of the creative industry. • It is difficult to see how the groundworks would not be picked up by the recording equipment in the studio.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee refused the application because of poor living conditions, insufficient parking, likely disruption to the recording studio and unmitigated protected-site impacts.

“RESOLVED that the application be refused for the following reasons: 1. The proposal by reason of its location on the back edge of pavement and proximity to a busy junction would result in a poor quality of living conditions for future occupiers due to the impact of noise and vibrations from traffic and due to the limited level of natural ventilation for the intended occupiers.”

“Accordingly, the development would fail to provide an adequate level of car parking to meet the transport needs of the occupiers, which would be likely to increase demand for already limited on-street car parking facilities causing local residents to have to spend time driving around searching for a space, to the detriment of the residential amenity of the area.”

Minutes