PORTSMOUTH — The city’s Planning Commission last week rejected a permit request for a substance abuse treatment home in a residential neighborhood.

The Planning Commission at its Oct. 7 meeting voted to recommend denial of a request from Portsmouth-based Urban Life Substance Abuse and Outpatient Services to operate the treatment home at 21 Royal St. in the Fairville area of the city. The roughly 1,300-square-foot home is located in an urban residential zoning district that allows low-to-medium-density development, surrounded by residents on all sides. It would serve individuals temporarily living there as they recover from alcohol and drug abuse.

Planning Commission members were concerned with potential safety nuisances and adequate space. But Portsmouth City Council will have the fin

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