Four-person HMO at 28 Cromwell Road, Southsea

“The proposal is for the change of use of the property from a shop (Class E) to a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) (Class C4).”

“A bin and bike store is proposed in the rear garden.”

“The application site is a two storey property with a current lawful use as a shop with ancillary residential accommodation on the upper floor. The site has recently been remodelled, by implementing the physical alterations (rear roof extension and replacement to shopfront) granted consent in March 2025 under application 24/01480/FUL for the use of the property as a Class C3 Dwellinghouse.”

“The site is approximately 600 m from Eastney Road Local Centre, where there are a range of shops, leisure, employment and services, and local buses. The seafront is nearby, as are Milton local centre, and the eastern end of Albert Road centre. The application site is located within the MG Resident Parking Zone.”

“24/01480/FUL Change of use and conversion from shop (Class E) to dwellinghouse (Class C3) including dormer to rear roofslope and alterations to front elevation Conditional Permission 25.03.2025”

“24/00006/PACOU Application for prior approval (Schedule 2, Part 3, Class MA) for change of use of retail unit (Class E) to 3 bedroom dwellinghouse (Class C3) Prior Approval Required And Refused - Lack of compliance with Nationally Described Space Standards 03.07.2024”

“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).”

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

“No objection. The proposal is to convert a Shop (Class E) to house in multiple occupation (Class C4). 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 or highway safety. A condition for cycle storage is requested.”

“Comments awaited, to be reported to the Committee meeting.”

“Number of HMOs in the area (including issues of accuracy of the HMO count) and wider city; • The Policy threshold for the 50m radius/% calculation should be changed. • Impact on parking - highway safety, air quality, emergency services access; • Impact of local character; • Impact from noise of the development; • Impact of local services, including doctors, dentists; the sewer network; • Increase instances of anti-social behaviour and crime; • Standard of accommodation and…”

“RESOLVED that conditional planning permission be granted as per the officer recommendation (subject to authority to approve plan clarification).”

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

“The proposal hereby permitted shall not (unless otherwise agreed in writing with the LPA) be occupied until written documentary evidence has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority demonstrating that the development has achieved a maximum water use of 110 litres per person per day as defined in paragraph 36(2)b of the Building Regulations (2010) (as amended).”