HMO control calls over sewage concerns

Currently, for new applications, no more than 10% of homes within a 50m radius can already be HMOs in Portsmouth

A council is facing calls for tighter controls on houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) over sewage concerns and the loss of family homes.

Currently, for new applications, no more than 10% of homes within a 50m radius can already be HMOs in Portsmouth.

However, during a recent meeting, Portsmouth city councillor Russell Simpson asked why the city has not considered a 5% policy, as adopted by Thanet District Council in Margate.

Cabinet member for planning policy Hugh Mason said emulating Thanet would "produce more problems than it could ever solve".

Mr Simpson asked the cabinet member whether the city could qualify for the policy considering its dense population, stressed sewerage system and loss of amenities and family homes.

But Mr Mason said that if the 5% policy was enforceable in Portsmouth, the south of the city would be unaffected but the north would see an influx of HMO applications.

"Be careful what you wish for," he added.

Cabinet member for transport Gerald Vernon-Jackson added a 5% policy was unenforceable and so "would seem a recipe for allowing property developers across the city to ignore any limits on HMOs and build them everywhere".