Bid for 41 homes in up to six-storey block in Gosport set for approval
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Construction at the former Crewsaver building in Mumby Road, Gosport, could start rapidly if the bid is given approval.
Developers have eyed up the site for more than five years, with previous bids for a nine-storey tower bid rejected.
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Hide AdNow a part two-and-a-half storey building, increasing in height to a six-storey block in places, will be examined by Gosport Borough Council’s planning committee next week.
Previous plans were rejected by the borough council and at appeal.
Matthew Pickup, agent for developer Primadore Ltd, said the revised plans now include 41 undercroft spaces – one each per home.
He said: ‘This new one is one that’s supported by the local authority officer – it’s a reduction in size with a subsequent reduction in units.
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Hide Ad‘But it's allowed us to provide one (car parking) space per flat.’
Gosport’s planning officer has recommended the plans are approved.
If approved next Wednesday construction would start ‘quite soon’ and take an estimated 18 months, he said.
Covid-19 is posing difficulties in the construction industry so delays are possible.
There will be 29 two-bed flats and 12 with one bedroom.
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Hide AdNo affordable housing will be included. The Denmead-based developer will pay a contribution to the council instead.
Christopher Haddock, from Gosport Boat Yard, has opposed previous plans and is among 10 others who have formally objected.
He said: ‘I wish to maintain my objection to the above application on similar reasoning as stated before, of the site density resembling that of a zombie over desensitized design/build.
‘That due to people being rammed in like sardines in a tin, (it) could well affect their mental wellbeing.’
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Hide AdNitrates polluting the Solent had stopped housebuilding in the wider area.
This development is set to make use of pollution offsetting accounted for by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust rewilding of a farm.
Environmental benefits at the farm will cancel out the flats’ nitrate pollution.
A 2017 bid for a nine-storey development with 49 homes was refused. Another 47-home bid was refused in 2018 and an appeal was dismissed. Permission was given in 2015 for a 31-flat development.