Chesterholm Lodge HMO plan thrown out by Gosport council

Civic chiefs said the proposed conversion of Chesterholm Lodge in Britten Road, Lee-on-Solent, would result in an over intensive use of the site.

Many of the protesters had complained that the scheme could lead to a rise in anti-social behaviour in the area. 

Objectors included Lee councillor Stevyn Ricketts, whose letter to Gosport Borough Council said any decision to approve the application would "instill a sense of fear" into the community.

Plans to turn Chesterholm Lodge into an HMO rejected after sparking 100 objections (Image: WindsorPatania)

He added: "I am sure you will be receiving many formal objections from residents.

"HMOs are essentially a method of providing cheap accommodation for people whose housing options are limited and generally they receive more complaints than any other type of residential dwelling.

"HMOs that house more than five individuals are considered 'large'.

"This is a proposal for 15 individuals and would therefore be three times what is considered to be large and could potentially result in three times the amount of complaints and police attendance.

"The impact of introducing a 15-bed HMO at this location would be incredibly harmful to the character of the area and its current residents."

Plans to turn Chesterholm Lodge into an HMO have been rejected after sparking 100 objections (Image: WindsorPatania)

Fellow objector Christopher Ives, of Manor Way, added: "I came here from Brighton, which has a very high ratio of HMOs. In my experience they create parking problems, drink and drug-related anti-social behaviour, and consequent police intervention."

READ MORE: Controversial 15-bed HMO plan would 'instill fear' into local community

A council report said the proposed conversion would result in the permanent loss of a care facility for the elderly.

It added: "The applicant is not required to indicate who may occupy the property and this is not a material consideration in the application's determination.

"The main issues are whether the proposals are an appropriate use for the property and location, having regard to its position within the Lee West Area of Special Character.

"Whilst the indication is that the use of a property as a HMO may result in more complaints and police visits, it would be inappropriate to conclude that all residents of HMOs are involved in such activities, or that all HMOs have such issues."

But the report criticised the proposed number of residents, the "poor" internal layout, and the size of the site.

It said the scheme would fail to provide adequate on-site facilities, resulting in an an over intensive use of the building that would be detrimental to the occupants and people living nearby.