Powerscourt Road HMO proposal heads to planning committee

The application is for 261 Powerscourt Road, a mid-terrace house, which would change from a single dwelling into an eight-person, seven-bedroom HMO.

The proposal has received 13 objections, which has triggered it being decided by Portsmouth City Council’s planning committee.

Objectors have raised concerns about parking, noise, waste, anti-social behaviour and the loss of a family home..

In a report to councillors, planning officers say the main issues include “the principle of development”, the standard of accommodation, highways and parking, and the impact on neighbours.

Officers say the property would meet space standards, with all bedrooms having en-suite bathrooms and a shared living space. They add that “there is suitable living space for the proposed number of occupants”.

On parking, highways officers have raised no objection, saying: “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.”

The report says there are currently four confirmed HMOs within 50 metres of the site. If approved, this would rise to five out of 70 properties, or 7.14%, which officers say is below the level at which an area is considered imbalanced.

Officers conclude the change of use is acceptable and recommend approval, subject to conditions and a legal agreement to deal with environmental mitigation.

One comment, submitted by Councillor Benedict Swann said that “Portsmouth City Council Parking Standards are regularly ignored for this kind of application and this needs to be addressed. This property is no exception and falls beneath the standards. An HMO of eight people is going to have five cars at least. This needs to be recognised for the impact this will have, especially as we see spaces lost with the introduction of electrical charging points.”

Residents can view the plans on the council’s planning portal using the reference 25/01153/FUL.