Six-person HMO at 1 Munster Road, Portsmouth

“The proposal is for the change of use of the property from a dwellinghouse (Class C3) to purposes falling within C3 or C4 (house in multiple occupation). The intended occupation is 6 persons in 6 bedrooms.”

“The proposal is for the change of use of the property from a dwellinghouse (Class C3) to a dwellinghouse (Class C3) or House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) (Class C4). If granted, this would allow the applicant to use the property flexibly as either a C4 HMO or a C3 dwellinghouse for a period of up to 10 years under the rights granted under Class V, Part 3 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015.”

“App No - A*27194/B, CONVERSION OF HOUSE TO FORM TWO SELF-CONTAINED FLATS Decision - Refused - Date - 29/11/1988”

“App No - 25/00680/FUL Decision - Committee Refusal on grounds of insufficient parking, currently at appeal. Date - 25.09.2025”

“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, the objectives of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (2024) and the emerging Portsmouth Local Plan (2024).”

“Time Limit The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of 3 years from the date of this planning permission.”

“The main issues for consideration in the determination of the applications include the following:”

“The principle of development; • The standard of accommodation; • Impact on neighbouring living conditions; • Highways and Parking; • Waste; • Impact upon the Solent Protection Areas; • Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL); • Any other matters raised; and • Human Rights.”

“Munster Road is a residential road with bus stops and local amenities in close proximity along London Road. The proposed application seeks to convert an existing residential unit (C3) to an HMO residential unit (C4). It is not considered that size of development would lead to a material impact to the function of the highway or result in any unacceptable safety impact.”

“No objection. There is suitable living space for the proposed number of occupants. The property would likely require a licence under Part 2, Housing Act 2004.”

“Parking pressure, with parking shortages on Munster Road and the surrounds and the concerns that up to 14 occupants could all bring vehicles. No admission from PCC that HMO's impact parking concerns • Amenity concerns through the increase in noise and disturbance. Construction disturbances. Environmental Health concerns (vermin, pollution etc) • Waste issues through fly tipping and overflowing bins, litter etc • Overdevelopment of the site through the large extensions.”

“The PCS20 policy does not protect community character and the area already exceeds acceptable density.”

“Members' Questions In response to questions, the following information was clarified by the Planning Officer: • The fact that there is an appeal currently with the Planning Inspectorate for this property should not influence the committee’s decision today; the application must be determined on its own merits. If the appeal is allowed as well as this application, the applicant would have two consents and could implement either.”

“Members’ Comments • Some members felt that the proposal represented a significant improvement compared to the previous application and saw no reason for refusal. • Other members expressed concerns about the potential strain on parking should the application be approved, believing this could adversely affect residential amenity and therefore should be refused.”

“RESOLVED that conditional planning permission be granted as per the officer recommendation.”

“Approved Plans Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority, the permission hereby granted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved drawings: - Location Plan - PG.1068.25.4 - Proposed Floor Plans and Elevations, Sections…”

“Waste Storage Prior to the first occupation of the property as a House in Multiple Occupation; refuse and recyclable materials storage facilities shall be provided at the site and shall thereafter be retained for the continued use by the occupants.”