23 Grayshott Road, Southsea, PO4 8AH

‘under this planning application, we are looking to propose a C3 three-bedroom dwelling conversion with a HMO license valid until 08/04/2025 to a C4 four-bedroom HMO dwelling’

Authority: Portsmouth City Council
Appeal type: minor · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Written Representations
Development: residential · Change of use
Inspector: Coles C

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

the effect of the proposed development on the mix and balance of the community in the area
the living conditions for the future occupants of the development

What decided it

The area is already imbalanced with HMO use at 10.7% (exceeding the 10% threshold), and the proposal would exacerbate this over-concentration contrary to Policy PCS20, combined with the failure to meet internal space standards for future occupants contrary to Policy PCS23.

Plan policies cited: Policy PCS20, Policy PCS23, Houses in Multiple Occupation - Ensuring Mixed and Balanced Communities Supplementary Planning Document (2019)

Read the decision letter on the Inspectorate’s site

The main issues and the deciding factor are read from the published letter by Town Planner Pro; the letter itself is the record. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Research, not advice.

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What an account adds

Draw a red line around your site and the appraisal follows.
- Heritage. Listed buildings by grade and distance, conservation areas, scheduled monuments, registered parks and gardens, heritage at risk.
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- Flooding. Flood zones 2 and 3, surface water, and both again with climate change.
- Transport. The 800 metre station catchment and service frequency, bus stops with their weekday frequency, the cycle network, and the Framework’s transport tests measured for the site.
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