Flexible dwelling or HMO at 145 Prince Albert Road, Southsea

The site and surroundings

The site is a mid-terrace dwelling with front refuse storage, a rear garden, no rear access, nearby services and a resident parking zone.

“The application site comprises a mid-terrace dwelling with a small front forecourt, currently used for refuse storage, and a modest rear garden. While the surrounding street is typically defined by enclosed frontcourts, the application property is distinctive in lacking any boundary treatment along its frontage. The property does not benefit from rear access.”

“The site is approximately 300m from Eastney Road Local Centre, where there are a range of shops, leisure, employment and services, and local buses. The site is also located in close vicinity to two parks, 160m to Milton Park and 300m to Bransbury Park. The site is approx. 1.3km from the Fratton railway station. The site is within MI – Middlesex Road Resident Parking Zone (RPZ).”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An earlier application for a two-storey replacement bay window and front railings was permitted in 2000.

“A*37348/AA CONSTRUCTION OF TWO-STOREY REPLACEMENT BAY WINDOW & 1.4M HIGH RAILINGS TO FRONT ELEVATION - Permission. 27.09.2000”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The Highways Team and Private Sector Housing raised no objection, with cycle storage to be secured by condition.

“No objection. The development would not result in any unacceptable effects on highway safety. To secure adequate sustainable transport provision, a condition should be attached to ensure the cycle storage is installed before the dwelling is occupied.”

“No objection. Based on the submitted layout and room sizes, the property would require licensing under Part 2 of the Housing Act 2004. There is a pending HMO licence application for this property, submitted on 30 April 2024, which relates to accommodation for five occupants.”

Officer report

Objections and other views

Eight representations were received: seven objections and one neutral response, raising concerns about HMOs, parking, noise, services, crime and accommodation.

“Eight representations have been received in respect of the proposals. Seven object to the scheme and one is neutral.”

“Number of HMOs in the area (including issues of accuracy of the HMO count) and wider city; 135 and 137 Prince Albert Road mentioned specifically. • Impact on parking; • Impact on local character; including adequate waste storage provision; • Impact from noise generated by the proposed number of occupants; • Impact on local services, including doctors, dentists; the sewer network; • Increase instances of anti-social behaviour and crime; • Standard of accommodation and…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent and the applicant addressed the committee.

Members’ discussion

Officers clarified the two-permit parking limit and bedroom five’s windows, while members considered the application to meet planning requirements.

“Members' Questions In response to Members' questions, officers clarified:”

“Members' Comments Members considered the application met all the planning requirements and they were particularly pleased at the inclusion of a utility room.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee granted planning permission subject to a time limit, approved plans and four-bicycle cycle storage condition.

“Approved plans Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority, the permission hereby granted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved drawings - Location Plan - TQRQM25357135656580 - Block Plan - TQRQM25357135833710 received 16.02.2026 - Proposed floor plans - PG1075 ·25·06 REV.B received 16.02.2026”

“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. To ensure that adequate provision is made for cyclists using the premises in accordance with Policies PCS17 of the Portsmouth Plan (20120.”

Minutes