Seven-person house in multiple occupation at 71 George Street, Portsmouth

What was proposed

The application sought to change a dwelling into a seven-bedroom, seven-person house in multiple occupation, with ensuite bedrooms, shared space, cycle storage and bin storage.

“The proposal is for the change of use of the property from a dwellinghouse (Class C3) to a 7-Bedroom/7-Person House in Multiple Occupation (Sui Generis).”

“Ground Floor - Two bedrooms (single occupancy - each with their own en-suite); communal combined amenity area; WC with handbasin • First Floor - Three bedrooms (single occupancy - each with their own en-suite); • Second Floor - Two bedrooms (single occupancy - each with their own en-suite);”

Officer report

The site

The site is a two-storey mid-terrace house on George Street, near shops, services, public transport and Kingston Cemetery, within the GC Parking Zone.

“The application site is a two-storey mid-terrace dwellinghouse, located on the northern side of George Street.”

“The site is approximately 420m from the Kingston Road Local Centre, where there are a range of shops, leisure, employment and services, and local buses. The site is 1.3km north from Fratton Train Station, and 50m from the nearest entrance to Kingston Cemetery. The site is located in the GC Parking Zone, which prohibits parking for non- permit holders between the hours of 16:00-18:00, all days of the week.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers concluded that the change of use was acceptable and recommended conditional permission, subject to an agreement securing Solent protection mitigation.

“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 legal agreement to secure:”

“(a) the mitigation of the impact of the proposed residential development on Solent Special Protection Areas (recreational disturbance and nitrates) by securing the payment of a financial contribution and relevant conditions (below);”

Officer report

What residents said

Eight representations opposed the proposal, citing parking, noise, waste, room sizes, notification, antisocial behaviour, local services and loss of a family dwelling.

“Concerns over lack of public notification; • Impact of parking in the area; • Works already started • Increase in noise levels from increased occupation; • Concerns over space for increased waste storage; • Request to review the 10% threshold Policy; • Loss of light from roof extensions; • Impact on local services and infrastructure; • Queries over the width and size of the communal area; • Concerns over size and layout of Bedrooms (4 and 6) and head height for Bedroom 1;…”

“Impact on health of the adjoining neighbour, due to strangers living next door, noise and mess, anti-social behaviour, will not be able to sell house; • Lack of notification; and • Out of scale with the surrounding area.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Development Management Lead Officer presented the application, and there were no deputations.

Members’ discussion

Members asked about light entering the first room and commented that, despite the design, the rooms were adequately sized.

“Members' Questions. • The light into the room should be adequate into room one because: • The two roof lights are akin to a regular windowpane and are not vertical. • The room is south-facing. • Once the window is opened, the resident can look out of it.”

“Members' Comments. During the discussion, members commented that whilst it is not a beautiful design, the rooms are of an adequate size.”

Minutes

The vote

Members resolved to grant conditional permission in accordance with the officers’ recommendation.

“RESOLVED to grant conditional permission as per the officers' recommendation.”

Minutes

The decision

Conditional permission was granted, with authority covering the mitigation agreement, conditions and possible refusal if the agreement was not completed within one month.

“RECOMMENDATION III - That delegated authority be granted to the Assistant Director of Planning & Economic Growth to refuse planning permission if a legal agreement has not been satisfactorily agreed within one month of the date of this resolution.”

Officer report