Seven-person HMO at 14 Burlington Road, Portsmouth

What was proposed

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

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

“The Applicant has stated that extensions achieved under Permitted Development would be constructed in order to facilitate the change of use. These operational development works would comprise the construction of a single storey extension, loft conversion/dormer extension and side extension. The property would be extensively re- modelled internally.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended conditional permission because the proposal was acceptable and complied with relevant planning policies, subject to mitigation and conditions.

“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).”

“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:”

Officer report

Objections received

Seventeen representations opposed the scheme, citing HMO concentration, parking, antisocial behaviour, noise, services, layout, safety and local character.

“Number of HMOs within the block and local area • Impact on parking • Anti-social behaviour…”

“Increase in noise disturbance • Impact of local services, including sewage and utilities • Concerns over the internal layout for the proposed occupiers (including natural light) • Loss of family dwelling, Officer comment - This is not part of adopted local policy. • Safety concerns over rear access • Impact of operational development on neighbouring amenity. • The HMO may be occupied by "foreign nationals, ex prisoners, and others who have social issues".”

Officer report

Who spoke

Councillor Raymond Dent spoke against the application.

Members’ discussion

Members noted that the application did not meet the parking standards requirements, and there were no members’ questions.

“Members' Questions. There were no questions.”

“Members' Comments. During the discussion, it was noted that this application did not meet the parking standards requirements.”

Minutes

The committee’s vote

The committee resolved to grant conditional permission in line with the officer recommendation.

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

Minutes

The decision

Conditional permission was granted, subject to a legal agreement securing mitigation for impacts on Solent Special Protection Areas.

“(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