ONE of the most majestic old buildings in Havant town centre is in line for development.
Homewell House, which was built in the 1830s behind St Faith’s Church, has fallen into ruin in recent years after the Conservative Association moved to new headquarters in South Street.
But developers now want to restore the listed building back to its former glory.
Havant Housing Association Limited has applied to renovate the three-storey Georgian house and demolish the extensions that were added on later.
A two-storey extension would be built to the east of the building, which was originally built as a private dwelling for the old Homewell Brewery.
The development would accommodate 14 one-bedroom flats for people with a variety of support needs, including learning and physical disabilities.
Cllr David Guest, who represents St Faith’s ward, has welcomed the plans.
He said: ‘I just want to see it returned to full use.
‘It’s not been used for a long time. It’s a fine listed building.
‘It’s impractical to expect it to be used as a private house because of the cost of upkeep.
‘The later added buildings to the south have now been demolished.
‘I am sure it will be in the same bricks and the same tiles. I have been working quite closely with the architect and housing association to ensure quality is maintained.’
Cllr Guest said more ‘sympathetic and thoughtful’ regeneration was needed in Havant.
He said: ‘I want to see more people living in the town centre.
‘That’s why I want to see the development of East Street in a similar way.’
There is already consent for residential use, but councillors will consider the new plans.
A report states: ‘This is an exciting opportunity for Havant Housing Association and their tenants as they have been seeking to replace their poorer quality stock for over five years now and Homewell House would enable them to achieve this, whilst being in a prime location for both tenants and support staff.
‘The scale of the proposed development has been sympathetically approached to reduce the impact on the neighbouring properties and the existing dwelling whilst also creating a development with the right amount of units to make the scheme financially feasible.’
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