Here's what you might have missed from Portsmouth City Council this weekÂ

PORTSMOUTH City Council wanted to ease us back into the routine of meetings, and it certainly did that with only one on the calendar this week.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Sep 2018, 19:50 BST
Updated 3rd Sep 2018, 12:19 BST
Papa John's will be opening a takeaway in CoshamPapa John's will be opening a takeaway in Cosham
Papa John's will be opening a takeaway in Cosham

I say only one. But it did last almost five hours and result in a lot of bold decisions from councillors.

Top of the list had to be the unanimous vote to reject the Queen's Hotel's developers bid to amend its original planning permission, relieving them of any responsibility to provide affordable housing.

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Back in 2017 it had been agreed that the Southsea hotel site could be redeveloped with 30 per cent of the apartments classed as affordable. Developers since attempted to go back on this, getting the government planning inspectorate involved.

Papa John's will be opening a takeaway in CoshamPapa John's will be opening a takeaway in Cosham
Papa John's will be opening a takeaway in Cosham

However, on Wednesday councillors agreed this was not good enough and will therefore take the case to a hearing. If the council wins either the affordable homes will have to be provided or a sizeable chunk of cash will land in the council coffers.

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In a less controversial move it was agreed on the same day that the only surviving landing craft tank from D-Day could be installed on Southsea seafront, next to the D-Day Story.

Cllr Ken Ellcome said: 'It is a really exceptional project. It's a fantastic use of this remarkable boat. To me this is the only place it can be. It is part of the D-Day story.  It is the only one left in the world and it is right that it should be here in Portsmouth on the seafront with all the other naval attractions.'

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Once £4.5m is secured from the Heritage Lottery Fund work on the installation can go ahead.

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Also featured at Wednesday's meeting was the approval of a new Papa John's pizza delivery store in Cosham, despite residents' fears it would be noisy and cause parking issues.

Although councillors were sympathetic they admitted the plan's refusal would only be overruled by a higher authority.

Cllr Donna Jones said: 'It is a really difficult one. I think it will just cost us money if we take it to appeal.'

Next week sees a return to more usual proceedings with three council meetings taking place.

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Related topics:Portsmouth City CouncilSouthsea