Seven-person HMO at 7 Tottenham Road, Portsmouth

What was proposed

The application sought to change an existing six-person HMO into a seven-person, seven-bedroom HMO without external development.

“CHANGE OF USE FROM HOUSE IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION (CLASS C4) TO 7 PERSON/7 BEDROOM HOUSE IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION (SUI GENERIS)”

“The Applicant has sought planning permission for the change of use of the dwelling from the current lawful use of as an HMO with up to six individuals living together to allow up to 7 individuals to live together as an HMO (however, it is noted that the last occupancy of the HMO was by 5 individuals and therefore the consideration in this report is given to an increase of two occupants in the HMO).”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a two-storey terraced dwelling with roof rooms in a mainly residential area, 110 metres from Fratton Town Centre.

“The application site is a two-storey terraced dwelling with rooms in the roof in a predominately residential area.”

“The property is located 110m from the Fratton Town Centre as defined under Policy PCS8 of the Portsmouth Plan (2012), which features a range of shops, services and public transport options.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An application for a lawful development certificate for the existing HMO use was granted in December 2023.

“23/00888/CPE - Application for Certificate of Lawful Development for existing use as house in multiple occupation (Class C4) Decision - Granted 28.12.2023”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended unconditional permission because the occupancy increase was not a material change and the proposal met relevant policies and standards.

“In the circumstances of the current application, it is considered that the increase in occupancy does not result in a significant difference in the character of the activities that would occur under the proposed occupation compared to the existing lawful use as a HMO with up to six occupants. As such it is considered that the change of use is not material and planning permission is not required for the increase in occupancy described in the application.”

“As detailed above, the application is considered to fully comply with the relevant policies of the Local Plan. However, notwithstanding the compliance or otherwise of the proposal with the polices of the Local Plan, it is noted that on the details of this case, the changes in the character of activities are not sufficiently significant, as a matter of fact and degree, to result in a material change in the use of this property.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

Highways raised no objection and six objections concerned HMOs, rubbish, anti-social behaviour, parking, noise, sewage, services, works, over-development and room sizes.

“Highways - No objection. 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. There may be increase insistences of vehicles hunting for space in the vicinity, this is however an issue of residential amenity for your consideration of the application. Request for a cycle storage condition.”

“Number of HMOs in the local area; • Waste and rubbish concerns; • Anti-social behaviour; • Impact on parking; • Noise pollution; • Impact on the sewage system; • Impact of local services; • Work started before permission; • Over-development; and • Concerns over the layout and size of the rooms.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant addressed the committee as a deputation.

Members’ consideration

Members noted the appeal decision outlined at the meeting and considered that planning permission was not needed.

“Planning Permission Members considered, noting the appeal decision outlined at the start of the meeting, that the application did not need planning permission and voted in favour of the application as per the officer recommendation.”

Minutes

The vote and decision

Members voted in favour and granted unconditional planning permission in accordance with the officer recommendation.

“DECISION To grant unconditional planning permission as per officer recommendation.”

Minutes