Southsea seafront hotel could become 24-person HMO under new plans
The Q8 Boutique hotel on Clarence Parade could has operated since 2018
A prominent hotel in Southsea could be turned into a 24-resident house in multiple occupation (HMO), following a planning application.
The application, submitted by Chris Flint Associates Limited on behalf of a Mr A Alhamlan, has been lodged with Portsmouth City Council.
The Q8 Boutique Hotel on Clarence Parade, Southsea, currently offers 17 bedrooms accommodating up to 34 guests. Under the plans, it would be redeveloped into an 18-bedroom HMO following a single-storey infill extension to the rear of the property.
Planning documents describe the building as occupying “a prominent seafront location” that “contributes positively to the streetscene,” adding the surrounding area has “excellent access to public transport, local services, employment opportunities, educational facilities and leisure amenities”.
The hotel, which opened in 2018, sits on Clarence Parade – a premier seafront location facing Southsea Common, historically known for its opulent hotels and residences.
The application has received three public comments, all objecting to the scheme.
A Clarence Parade resident objected, describing the proposal as an “inappropriate over-development” that would cause “severe harm” to the area.
They argue it contradicts the council’s own Southsea Seafront Strategy by replacing a boutique hotel with high-occupancy housing, damaging the conservation area’s character.
Southsea is already “heavily saturated” with HMOs, they say, pointing to Waverley Road as having been “severely blighted” by too many of them. They also warn that parking in the area is “already broken”.
They also raised concerns over “bin blight” where an “immense volume of household waste” could lead to “to regular overflowing refuse on the pavements, worsening the existing “bin blight” and fly-tipping in Southsea, attracting vermin, and creating a hazard for pedestrians on Clarence Parade.
Another resident argued that given the size of the proposed HMO, the applicant should be required to provide evidence on its impact on parking, noise, waste, neighbouring residents, and the already high local concentration of HMOs.
Residents can view and comment on the application on the council’s planning portal using the reference 26/00679/FUL.