Seven-person HMO at 25 Powerscourt Road, Portsmouth

What was proposed

The application sought to change a dwelling into a seven-bedroom, seven-person house in multiple occupation, with extensions, a bike store and bin area.

“CHANGE OF USE FROM DWELLINGHOUSE (CLASS C3) TO 7 PERSON/7 BEDROOM HOUSE IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION (SUI GENERIS)”

“25/01123/FUL | CHANGE OF USE FROM DWELLINGHOUSE (CLASS C3) TO 7 PERSON/7 BEDROOM HOUSE IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION (SUI GENERIS) | 25 POWERSCOURT ROAD PORTSMOUTH PO2 7JE”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a two-storey mid-terrace house with a front forecourt and rear garden, near shops, services, buses and Buckland Park.

“The application site is a two-storey mid-terrace dwelling location on the northern side of Powerscourt Road. The property is set back from the road by a front forecourt and benefits from a rear garden.”

“The site is approximately 131m from Kingston Road Local Centre as designated under PCS18, where there are a range of shops, leisure, employment and services, and local buses. To the south-west of the site is Buckland Park (290m away).”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers concluded that the proposal complied with relevant policies 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

Consultation responses

The Highways and Private Sector Housing teams raised no objection, while cycle storage and licensing requirements were identified.

“The proposal does indicate secure cycle storage to the rear and a suitable worded condition should be attached to implement this storage prior to the occupation of the new lawful use.”

“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.”

Officer report

Objections received

Ten representations objected over HMOs, parking, waste, antisocial behaviour, noise, services, building works, accommodation layout and loss of a family dwelling.

“Active application at No.261 Powerscourt Road; • Increase in noise disturbance; • Impact of local services, including sewage and utilities; • Work commencing before permission/application; • Concerns over the internal layout for the proposed occupiers; and • Loss of family dwelling.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Councillor Lee Hunt spoke against the application and then left the meeting without taking further part.

Members discussed the proposal

Members questioned the bedroom and shower-room arrangements and commented that large HMOs were not the solution to the housing shortage.

“Members' Questions. In response to questions, the following information was clarified by the Planning Officer: • Bedroom 6 measures 10.1m 2 ; 10m is the required size. This includes a front bay window area which is considered usable space e.g. for a chair facing in, a desk facing out or a chest.”

“Members' Comments. During the discussion, members made the following comments: • Large HMOs are not the solution to the lack of housing. • The committee must consider this application on its merits and within the framework of the law and therefore has no option than to grant permission.”

Minutes

The committee’s vote

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

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

Minutes