The Portsmouth Planning Committee meeting was chaired by Councillor Chris Atwell due to the absence of the chair and vice-chair. The meeting covered various planning applications, including changes of use to HMOs, a large residential development at Fraser Range, and an industrial car storage facility. Key topics included compliance with local policies, the impact on local infrastructure, and the balance between development benefits and community concerns.

Fraser Range Development

The committee discussed a major residential development at Fraser Range, Fort Cumberland Road, Southsea. The proposal included 116 apartments and 18 houses, with associated works and a new sea wall. Concerns were raised about the impact on local wildlife, flood risk, and increased traffic. However, the committee noted the significant public benefits, including new sea defenses and public access improvements. The application was approved with conditions.

27 Balfour Road

The application for converting a three-bedroom family home at 27 Balfour Road into a seven-bedroom HMO was refused. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of communal space and the impact on local amenities. The committee decided that the proposed layout did not provide a good living environment.

Fitzherbert Road Car Storage Facility

A multi-story car storage facility at Fitzherbert Road was approved. The facility included workshops and office buildings. The committee noted the economic benefits and improved traffic management due to the new layout, which would reduce on-street parking issues.

39 Kensington Road

The application to convert a family home at 39 Kensington Road into a seven-bedroom HMO was approved. The committee noted that the proposal met all local policy requirements, including adequate communal space and compliance with HMO standards.

51 Shadwell Road

The committee approved the conversion of a family home at 51 Shadwell Road into a seven-bedroom HMO. The application had been deferred previously to address concerns about natural light in one of the bedrooms. The revised plans included a larger window, which satisfied the committee's concerns.

43 Marmion Road

The committee approved the installation of an extraction system at 43 Marmion Road, allowing the change of use from retail to a café. Concerns about noise and visual impact were addressed, and the committee was satisfied that the proposal would not have a significant adverse effect on the local area.

121 Balfour Road

The application to convert a family home at 121 Balfour Road into a seven-bedroom HMO was approved. The committee noted that the proposal met all local policy requirements, including adequate communal space and compliance with HMO standards.

The meeting concluded with the committee emphasizing the importance of balancing development benefits with community concerns and ensuring compliance with local policies.