Special protection for Gosport’s Stokes Bay considered by council - residents urged to get involved

And now Stokes Bay, in Gosport, may finally get special protection as a conservation area, after the council is asking for local views.

It is also asking for people to submit historic photographs and other documents to back up the proposed plan.

Gosport Borough Council and Historic England have launched an online survey about a proposal to create a conservation area to manage and protect features of architectural and historical interest, including buildings, as well as trees and green spaces.

Cllr Mark Hook, council leader, said: ‘Stokes Bay is so important to Gosport - for the part it has played in our history, and for its role in everyday life today. It's really important that local people tell us how they feel about the area and how it should be cared for in the future.’

In a conservation area, decisions on future development have to be made with regard to its special character.

Stokes Bay was a major embarkation point for troops on D-Day. Defensive buildings and other structures bear witness to this history. As well as being a major part of the borough's military heritage, Stokes Bay is also home to some historically significant residential buildings.

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Alison McQuaid, heritage at risk projects officer at Historic England, said: ‘I’d encourage everyone who lives by, works in, or visits Stokes Bay to contribute their views.

‘Conservation areas work best when there is broad local support, and when people really get behind the ethos, so your input is really valuable to help shape the future of this part of Gosport.’

To take part go to tinyurl.com/stokesbaycad2020 before January 31.

Detailed information, historic photographs or documents should be sent to [email protected]

A report on the conservation area proposal will be available for public consultation later in 2021.

The conservation area proposal is part of Gosport's activity as a Heritage Action Zone. In 2018 the borough was given HAZ status by Historic England, the public body that champions and protects England's historic places. Part of the goal of the HAZ is to increase awareness, understanding and appreciation of Gosport’s rich heritage.

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