Portsmouth residents object to new HMO in Oriel Road, North End amid concerns

Proposals have been submitted to Portsmouth City Council to convert number 49 Oriel Road from a family home into a house in multiple occupancy (HMO).

If approved at a future date up to six unrelated people could live there.

However, eight neighbours have objected to the scheme by writing to the city council.

Resident Carey Warden said: 'There have been a number of houses in this road and those nearby that have already been converted from a single family dwelling into flats and houses of multiple occupation.

‘This is yet another application that removes a house from the much-wanted market of a family dwelling.

‘Not only that, but this is a very busy road where parking and air quality are major issues and cause of stress to local residents. To purposely allow more people to move into this road, disproportionate to the actual number of houses here, is only going to make this matter worse and put strain on the infrastructure.

‘I do not believe that this is the solution to our housing needs in this city, effectively eroding the nature and balance of established residential areas by squeezing too many people into family dwellings.

‘More longer term solutions are required which means everyone gets to enjoy a suitable space to live in.’

SEE ALSO: Objections to two new HMOs in North End

Oriel Road resident Joanna Still agreed. This is unsuitable for change to an HMO,' she said.

‘I cannot park in my street when I finish work as it is so an additional four or five cars for one address will cause major problems for the existing residents.

'These are family houses and should be used for families not HMO properties. Noise will also be a consideration.’

And neighbour Sarah Salt added: ‘I object to this going ahead – not enough parking, anti-social behaviour [and] loss of a family home.’

According to the council's database there are two other registered HMOs in Oriel Road - at 89 and 94.

The developer was approached for comment.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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