Proposal to expand HMO in the city refused
PLANS to expand a shared home in the city have been rejected amid concerns over living conditions.
Portsmouth councillors unanimously refused proposals to convert 3 Pains Road, in Southsea, from a six-bedroom house in multiple occupancy (HMO) to a seven-bedroom HMO during a virtual planning meeting yesterday.
Councillor Lee Hunt had worries over the conditions for potential tenants of the home. ‘I think it should be refused for these conditions,’ he said.
‘In my opinion it contravenes our guidelines.
‘The kitchen is long and narrow leading to the communal space, meaning the occupier of room seven will have to awkwardly negotiate the space to get to the communal area.’
As reported, the application had garnered more than 117 objections from residents in the area, which has a high proportion of HMOs.
A deputation from the East St Thomas Residents Forum read at the meeting said: ‘This particular application embodies all that is wrong with these super-HMOs where developers take a good size dwelling and remodel to cram in more people in low quality accommodation.’
However, the applicant Simon Birmingham said: ‘The building was in a run-down state when I purchased it.
‘I have spent in excess of £100,000 to renovate it and provide high-quality accommodation for students.’
A NAVY captain from Portsmouth has been shortlisted for a national honour because of his work to support and promote women working in technology.
Captain Steve Prest, deputy director navy acquisition (equipment and systems), has been announced as finalist at the 2021 FDM everywoman in Technology Awards.
Now in their 11th year, the awards celebrate the tech industry’s most exceptional talent.
Captain Steve is one of the finalists for the Male Agent of Change Award, awarded for commitment to encouraging, advancing, sponsoring or championing the progress of women working in technology.
Maxine Benson MBE, co-founder of everywoman, said: ‘We are thrilled to announce the 2021 FDM everywoman in Technology Awards finalists.
‘From supporting frontline efforts against Covid-19, to managing systems and software that have kept the country moving, these individuals showcase the critical role that technology has played over the past year.
‘The vital advancements technology is making towards saving, transforming and improving lives is more evident now than ever before.’
The winners will be announced at a virtual ceremony on March 4.
For more go to everywomanforum.com/