MAJOR plans have been submitted for a new housing development in the heart of Havant.
Plans are afoot to transform an empty industrial site off West Street and build 24 homes, including 16 three-bedroom houses and eight flats.
But the proposals have attracted mixed views, with some residents worried about extra congestion and the lack of parking.
The site was the former base for construction firm Kier Group and has been empty for more than 18 months.
Developers want to convert the listed Henry Jones building – which was the home of Havant’s famous glove factory – into eight apartments.
St Andrew’s House, a 1960s office building, would be demolished. Two rows of houses would be built around a parking courtyard.
The plans include spaces for 20 cars for the houses, but there are no plans to provide parking for the apartments.
Michelle Holding, who lives nearby in West Street, was worried as parking spaces have been reduced since double yellow lines were painted on stretches of the road last year.
She said: ‘What concerns me is where are they going to park their cars?
‘We have so much congestion anyway. It’s quite a lot of people in a small area.
‘Is this the best place to put them? To be honest we have enough residential in Havant. We have all those new flats along the main road that they can’t fill.’
St Faith’s ward councillor David Guest said: ‘I am pleased to see a proposal come in.
‘The proposals for that site have merit.’
The proposals have been submitted by private landowners.
A planning report by their agents, Vail Williams, states: ‘As agreed with officers, parking at a ratio of one space per house is proposed.
‘Given the site’s sustainable location on the edge of the town centre and close to public transport interchanges, it is not proposed to provide any on-site parking for the flats.’
It adds: ‘The proposed development has been designed in consultation with officers and is in keeping with the character of the area.
‘The proposed houses are three beds and will help address the need for family housing in Havant.’
Councillors on the planning committee will make a final decision at a later date.