Seven-bedroom HMO at 261 Powerscourt Road, Portsmouth

“The proposal is for the change of use of the property from a dwellinghouse (Class C3) to a 7-Bedroom/8-Person House in Multiple Occupation (Sui Generis).”

“A bike store is proposed in the rear garden, and an area for waste recycling/disposal bins is shown on the property forecourt.”

“The site is approximately 315 m from Copnor Road (south) Local Centre, where there are a range of shops, leisure, employment and services. Frequent local bus services are available along Copnor Road, 350m from the site. The site is located 500m south-west from the Ocean Retail Park, 350m north of Kingston Cemetery and 855m from the Cobden Park and the Great Saltern Recreational Ground.”

“25/00031/GPDC - Construction of single storey rear extension (flat roofed), extending 6m beyond the rear wall, with a height of 3m to the eaves and maximum height of 3m. Decision - Deemed consent 19/11/2025”

“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);”

“Concerns over waste disposal; • Anti-social behaviour; • 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; • Loss of family dwelling; and • Request to lower the threshold from 10% to 5% for HMOs.”

“Members' Questions In response to questions, the following information was clarified: • There is no rear access; bicycles would need to be brought through the front of the property and wheeled through and out the back to the bicycle storage. • The size of the corridor is not included in the total size for the combined living/dining space. There may possible be space in the front forecourt for bicycles.”

“Members' Comments One member commented that the application did not meet parking standards therefore they could not support the application. Another member said it did comply with standards and it has some nice features and was well designed so proposed the officer's recommendation.”

“As the vote was tied the Chair used her casting vote.”

“RESOLVED that (1) That delegated authority be granted to the Assistant Director of Planning & Economic Growth to Grant Condition Permission subject to satisfactory completion of a legal agreement to secure: (a) The mitigation of the impact of the proposed residential development of Solent Special Protection Areas (recreational disturbance) by securing the payment of a financial contribution and relevant conditions (if required) (2) That delegated authority be granted to the…”