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 (February 23). 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 message from the Editor, Mark Waldron You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news online - as well as fewer adverts, access to our digital edition and mobile app. Our trial offer starts at just £2 a month for the first two months.