Change dwelling to HMO at 22 Laburnum Grove, Portsmouth

The site

The site is a two-storey mid-terrace property with a front court, rear garden, rear access alleyway and nearby shops, services and buses.

“The application site is located on the southern side of Laburnum Grove, in the section between Emsworth Road and Havant Road. The site is a two-storey mid-terrace property with a large front court and a garden to the rear. There is an alleyway accessible from Havant Road which leads to the rear garden of the property.”

“The site is approximately 150m from the North End District Centre, where there are a range of shops, leisure, employment and services, and local buses. Laburnum Grove is not within a parking restriction zone. To the north of the application site is an entrance to the new development of 15 dwellings (redevelopment of the former Odean Cinema, Ref No. 16/02107/OUT).”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers concluded that the change of use was acceptable and recommended conditional permission, including bicycle storage and a five-person occupancy limit.

“Having regard to all material planning considerations and representations 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 HMO SPD, and the objectives of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (2024).”

“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 two bicycles shall be provided at the site and shall thereafter be retained for the parking of bicycles at all times.”

Officer report

Objections received

Seven objections raised concerns about HMO concentration, local services, parking, traffic, antisocial behaviour and planning oversight.

“Overconcentration of HMOs: Calls to reduce the 10% threshold to 5% due to HMO saturation in the area. • Strain on Local Services: Overcrowding impacts on waste management, healthcare access, and infrastructure. • Parking and Traffic: Insufficient parking and increased traffic congestion. • Anti-Social Behaviour: ASB linked to HMOs, with police involvement cited. • Planning Oversight: Accusations of council ignoring objections and failing to follow planning guidelines.”

“Profits made by companies converting properties to HMOs. • Impact on property values. • Loss of Family Housing: Concerns over converting homes needed for families. Officer Note - this is not a criteria in adopted Local Plan policy…”

Officer report

What happened at committee

The Head of Development Management presented the report, information in the SMAT did not change the recommendation, and a councillor spoke against it.

Members’ discussion

Officers confirmed that the occupancy condition would limit the HMO to five people, and members made no comments.

“Members' Questions In response to Members' questions, officers provided the following information:”

“Members' Comments There were no comments.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

Conditional planning permission was granted with conditions covering the time limit, approved plans, cycle storage and occupancy.

“DECISION Conditional Planning Permission was granted with conditions of: Time limit 2. Approved Plans 3. Cycle Storage 4. Occupancy…”

Minutes