The committee approved two 7-bedroom houses in multiple occupation.

A developer defended two Portsmouth HMOs after claims they damage community cohesion, arguing tenants are unfairly treated in a “them and us scenario”.

During Portsmouth City Council’s planning committee yesterday, members considered planning applications for two HMOs in Nelson and Charles Dickens ward.

The first application, at 12 Seagrove Road, sought permission to change the use of a dwelling into a seven bedroom HMO. The property had already been extended under permitted development rights.

The property fell below the council’s HMO threshold, with only one other HMO within a 50 metre radius, and all bedrooms and living areas met the minimum space requirements.

Nick Rowe, the applicant, said the property was in a “very poor condition” before its £200,000 refurbishment.

He said he understood residents’ concerns about parking, noise and anti social behaviour, “however we professionally manage all of our properties and have not experienced these issues in other HMOs”.

He added that acoustic and thermal insulation had been upgraded, along with double glazed windows.

Carrioanne Wells of Applecore PDM Ltd, the agent, said those with concerns about parking should note the “extensive appeal decisions” where central government planners “consistently” rule that “refusals on parking grounds are unreasonable with costs awarded against the council”.

“It’s very well certain political parties choosing predetermined decisions to not to vote for HMOs but choosing to refuse to fully compliant HMO is choosing to support homelessness in the city.”

Richard Adair, speaking in a deputation, said Seagrove Road was a “strongly knit” area with a “strong sense of community cohesion” and opposed the “irretrievable loss of another family home”.

Carl Inman raised concerns about the size of the garden, stating it could not accommodate up to seven bicycles.

Peter Candlish clarified that an HMO such as this would only be granted up to two parking permits.

He added that “the gutting of the house through permitted development is something we cannot control its governed by national law and anyone who pretends otherwise is not telling the truth”.

The application was approved with five votes in favour, three against and one abstention.

Another change of use application, involving a Victorian terraced house at 7 Alexandra Road in Charles Dickens, was also approved.

The new HMO will have seven en suite bedrooms and will be the sixth HMO within a 50 metre radius.

Jayer Legge, the applicant, described the proposal as “luxury accommodation” for working professionals.

All rooms met the size requirements and the property benefits from upgraded cavity and wall insulation, as well as solar panels, contributing to a B rated energy performance certificate.

He added that most “repeat comments” he sees state there are too many HMOs in the city, but “from experience there doesn’t seem to be any issue letting any of the rooms when creating great living spaces”.

Ms Wells responded to Cllr Adair’s earlier comments about community cohesion, stating she does not “understand why the tenants of these properties are not given the chance to be welcomed and integrate into the community”, adding that it “feels like a them and us scenario”.

She recounted speaking with long term HMO residents who “want to be part of the communities and they feel that’s not happening for them”.

Cllr Inman raised concerns about cyclists needing to walk their bikes through the kitchen. Officers noted that a previous application had been refused but later allowed on appeal, as the inspector did not consider it harmful enough to justify refusal.

Cllr Candlish welcomed the sound and thermal insulation measures, as well as the solar installation and B rated EPC, which he said would mean lower bills for tenants.

The application was approved with five votes in favour, none against and three abstentions.

More information can be found on the council’s planning committee agenda here.