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Weekly updates
Portsmouth Council Grants Shadow Licence & Approves Cost of Living Support
This week, the Portsmouth Council held several important meetings, including a Licensing Sub-Committee meeting on Monday, 24 June 2024, a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, a Licensing Sub-Committee meeting on Thursday, 27 June 2024, and a Portchester Crematorium Joint Committee meeting on Monday, 24 June 2024.
Licensing Sub-Committee Meeting (24 June 2024)
The Licensing Sub-Committee discussed the application for a shadow premises licence for the Rutland Arms Public House, located at 205 Francis Avenue, Southsea. The sub-committee decided to grant the shadow licence with conditions, despite concerns raised by a local resident, Mrs. Flood, regarding noise and disturbances.
Key Points:
- Shadow Licence: A shadow premises licence acts as an insurance policy for the freehold owner, ensuring that the premises can continue to operate under a licence even if the current tenant faces insolvency or other issues.
- Resident's Concerns: Mrs. Flood's concerns included noise from live events, effectiveness of soundproofing, and late-night use of the garden area.
- Response to Concerns: The sub-committee noted that these issues pertained to the existing licence, not the shadow licence under consideration. The applicant had already amended the application to reduce the hours for certain activities and required police approval for special events.
- Decision: The shadow licence was granted with conditions agreed upon with environmental health authorities.
For more detailed information, refer to the Agenda frontsheet, the Public reports pack, and the Supplementary Agenda Item 3.
Cabinet Meeting (25 June 2024)
The Cabinet discussed various significant issues, including support for residents with the cost of living, responses to scrutiny reviews, and the approval of the modern slavery statement.
Key Decisions:
- Cost of Living Support: The council reviewed ongoing support funded by the Household Support Fund and suggested that the leader write to the government to request an extension of the fund beyond September 2024.
- Housing and Social Care Scrutiny Review: The council discussed the response to the scrutiny review on landlords' practices in dealing with damp and mould in social and private rented housing.
- Appointments to Outside Bodies: Various appointments to outside organisations and member champions were approved.
- Modern Slavery Statement: The council approved the Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Annual Statement.
- Productivity Plan: The council approved the Productivity Plan, which focuses on transforming services, leveraging technology, reducing wasteful spending, and identifying barriers that the government can help remove.
For more details, refer to the Public reports pack and the Decisions document.
Licensing Sub-Committee Meeting (27 June 2024)
The Licensing Sub-Committee discussed the exhibition of the film Norwegian Democrazy
under the Licensing Act 2003 - Section 20. The committee approved the film's exhibition, with a classification of 15, following a detailed review of its content and the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) guidelines.
Key Points:
- Film Content: The film, directed by Lars Johansen, explores political satire and the democratic process in Norway. It contains moderate language, political themes, and some scenes of violence.
- Decision: The committee decided to approve the film's exhibition with a classification of 15, ensuring it is suitable for viewers aged 15 and above.
For more detailed information, refer to the Public reports pack and the Agenda frontsheet.
Portchester Crematorium Joint Committee Meeting (24 June 2024)
The Portchester Crematorium Joint Committee discussed several key issues, including the approval of the Annual Return for the financial year 2023-24, updates on building works and cremator replacement, and the presentation of various reports.
Key Points:
- Annual Return: The committee approved the Annual Return for the financial year 2023-24, following a detailed review of financial statements and audit reports.
- Building Works Report: The Building Works Report June 2024 detailed ongoing and planned construction projects, including the refurbishment of the main chapel and installation of new energy-efficient lighting systems.
- Cremator Replacement: An update on the Cremator Replacement highlighted the successful installation of two new cremators, expected to improve operational efficiency and reduce emissions.
- Crematorium Annual Report: The Crematorium Annual Report - 2023-24 summarised the crematorium's activities, achievements, and challenges over the past year.
- Manager's Report: The Manager's Report - 24 June 2024 provided an overview of operational aspects, including staff training initiatives and customer feedback.
- Horticultural Report: The Horticultural Report - June 2024 detailed efforts to enhance the crematorium's gardens and green spaces.
For more detailed information, refer to the Public reports pack.
These meetings highlight the council's ongoing efforts to address community concerns, support residents, and improve local services and infrastructure.
Portsmouth's Future: Key Decisions on Housing, Environment, and Community Impact
This week, the Portsmouth Council held two significant meetings: a Full Council meeting on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 and a Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.
Full Council Meeting
The Full Council meeting was primarily focused on the pre-submission Portsmouth local plan. This plan outlines the city's development strategy for the next 15 years, including housing targets, environmental considerations, and infrastructure improvements. Here are the key points:
Public Deputations: Four public deputations were made, all opposing the housing targets in the local plan. Concerns were raised about the environmental impact, including air pollution, loss of natural habitats, and increased flooding risks. Viola Langley emphasized the conflict between the housing targets and the council's climate and nature emergency declarations. Rod Bailey and Paula Savage echoed these concerns, highlighting the potential strain on local infrastructure and the environment.
Council Debate: The council debated the plan extensively. Councillor Mason defended the housing targets, arguing they are necessary to meet national requirements and prevent urban sprawl into the countryside. He acknowledged the environmental concerns but emphasized the importance of balancing housing needs with environmental protection. The plan was ultimately approved, with a recorded vote showing 31 in favor, 1 against, and 7 abstentions.
Planning Committee Meeting
The Planning Committee reviewed several applications, with a focus on conversions to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Here are the key outcomes:
38 Merry Vale Road: The application for a 7-bedroom HMO was deferred to allow more residents to present their objections. This decision reflects the committee's commitment to ensuring community voices are heard.
Fraser Range, Fort Cumberland Road: The application for 116 apartments and 18 houses was approved. The development includes new sea defenses and a coastal walkway. Despite concerns about the impact on local wildlife and the historic Fort Cumberland, the committee concluded that the benefits, including flood protection and housing provision, outweighed the potential harms.
27 Balfour Road: The application for a 7-bedroom HMO was refused due to concerns about the adequacy of communal space and the overall living environment. This decision aligns with the committee's ongoing scrutiny of HMO applications to ensure they meet living standards.
Land at Fitzherbert Road: The application for a multi-story car storage facility was approved. The development is expected to improve local traffic conditions by providing on-site parking for car transporters, reducing the need for on-street parking.
51 Shadwell Road: The application for a 7-bedroom HMO was approved after the applicant addressed concerns about natural light in one of the bedrooms. This decision highlights the committee's focus on ensuring adequate living conditions in HMOs.
39 Kensington Road: The application for a 7-bedroom HMO was approved, despite strong community opposition. The committee emphasized that the application met all planning requirements and that community concerns, while valid, could not override compliance with planning policies.
43 Marmion Road: The application for an extraction system for a new café was approved. The committee concluded that the system would not have a significant impact on the conservation area or local residents.
121 Balfour Road: The application for a 7-bedroom HMO was approved. The committee noted that the property met all space and living standards, despite concerns about parking and local infrastructure.
These meetings underscore the council's ongoing efforts to balance development needs with community and environmental concerns. The approval of the local plan marks a significant step in shaping Portsmouth's future, while the Planning Committee's decisions reflect a careful consideration of living standards and community impact.
Portsmouth Council Tackles HMO Conversions Amid Community Concerns
This week, the Portsmouth Council's Planning Committee convened to address a series of applications related to the conversion of properties into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The meeting, held on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, was significant due to the ongoing community concerns about the impact of HMOs on local infrastructure and amenities. You can view the full meeting details here.
The committee reviewed multiple applications, with decisions largely influenced by the potential strain on local resources such as parking and sewage systems. Here are the key outcomes:
61 St. Chad's Avenue: The application for a 6-bedroom HMO was denied. The committee cited sewage capacity and local infrastructure strain as major concerns. This decision aligns with a previous refusal, currently under appeal, highlighting the committee's consistency in addressing these issues.
Sandringham Road: Conditional permission was granted, requiring careful management due to significant local issues like parking and anti-social behavior. This decision underscores the committee's effort to balance compliance with local planning policies and community impact.
51 Chatsworth Road: The application was initially deferred and then refused due to concerns about inadequate natural light in one of the proposed bedrooms. This decision reflects the committee's commitment to maintaining living standards in HMOs.
22 Hewitt Road and 129 Gladys Avenue: Both applications were approved with conditions, indicating compliance with local planning policies but also acknowledging public concerns about the growing number of HMOs.
Oriole Road: The increase in occupancy from 6 to 7 bedrooms was conditionally approved, with past management issues and impacts on local parking being key discussion points.
Margate Road: Conditional permission was granted in a unanimous decision, highlighting the property's location in a high-density HMO area already facing parking and social issues.
Victoria Road North: The application to increase from 6 to 8 bedrooms was conditionally approved, with the committee requiring planning permission due to the property's impact on an already dense HMO area.
The meeting was notably attended by a significant number of community members, indicating strong public interest and concern. The decisions made during this session demonstrate the council's ongoing efforts to manage the balance between urban development and community well-being, a theme we will continue to explore in future updates.
Recent meetings
Twinning Advisory Group - Thursday, 26th September, 2024 10.30 am
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Education, Children & Young People Scrutiny Panel - Thursday, 26th September, 2024 5.30 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Cabinet Member for Transport - Thursday, 26th September, 2024 4.00 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Health & Wellbeing Board - Wednesday, 25th September, 2024 10.00 am
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure & Sport - Tuesday, 24th September, 2024 2.00 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Licensing Sub-Committee - Monday, 23rd September, 2024 12.30 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Portchester Crematorium Joint Committee - Monday, 23rd September, 2024 2.00 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, Health & Care - Monday, 23rd September, 2024 5.00 pm
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
Licensing Committee - Monday, 23rd September, 2024 11.00 am
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Economic Development, Culture and Leisure Scrutiny Panel - Thursday, 19th September, 2024 12.00 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Upcoming meetings
No meetings found.