One dwelling from office at 250 Fratton Road, Portsmouth

“APPLICATION FOR PRIOR APPROVAL (SCHEDULE 2, PART 3, CLASS MA) FOR CHANGE OF USE OF EXISTING OFFICE UNIT (CLASS E) TO FORM 1NO. DWELLINGHOUSE (CLASS C3)”

“The application is for prior approval under Schedule 2, Part 3, Class MA of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 for the change of use of existing office unit (Class E) to form one dwellinghouse (Class C3).”

“The application site is a vacant mid-terrace property, last used an office, and originally built as a dwellinghouse. The property is located to the north of Fratton District Centre, on the eastern side of Fratton Road, in the section of the road between Clive Road and Alver Road, diagonally across from Carnegie Library. To the north of the application site, separated by a dwellinghouse, is a public house Trafalgar Arms.”

“The application site is within an area with good transport links, easily accessible amenities, and green space within the grounds of St Mary's Church and Olinda Street Park. The property does not have any off-street parking.”

“The property has been in Use Class E for a continuous period of at least 2 years prior to the date of the application for prior approval. The site and building are not part of a SSSI, it is not a listed building, or scheduled monument, nor within a safety hazard area or a military explosives storage area The proposals do not fall within any of the categories set out in Class MA.1.”

“Therefore the proposal complies with Class MA.1 and therefore can be determined under the Prior Approval procedure.”

“Highways Team The development is located adjacent to busy throughfare with amenities and bus stops located within the close vicinity to the property. Given the size of the development and its current lawful use, it is not considered that the proposal would have any material impact to the function of the highway.”

“Regulatory Services No objections or comments.”

“Letters to adjoining properties were sent on 06.06.25. Site Notices were erected outside the site and on adjoining roads on 10.06.25.”

“No representations have been received in respect of the proposal.”

“Members' questions There were no questions.”

“Member's comments Bringing vacant offices and commercial properties back into use as dwellings was welcomed by the committee.”

“RESOLVED that prior approval be granted as per the officer recommendation.”

“Prior to first occupation of the property as the dwellinghouse hereby approved, secure and weatherproof bicycle storage facilities for 2 bicycles shall be provided at the site and shall thereafter be retained for the parking of bicycles at all times.”

“Reason: To ensure that adequate provision is made for cyclists using the premises in accordance with policies PCS17 and PCS23 of the Portsmouth Plan (2012).”