The plans have caused upset among leaseholders and a local conservation group

Plans to add a roof terrace to block of flats in Old Portsmouth has sparked objections from local conservation and leaseholders groups.

The application, submitted by agent Carl Leroy-Smith on behalf of Jason and Kate Phillips, proposes a glass-balustraded terrace on top of Fontenoy House on Grand Parade.

The three-storey block contains eight flats and sits on the corner of High Street and Grand Parade.

The proposal is an amendment to planning permission granted last October for an extra storey to create a new three-bedroom flat.

That permission, approved by planning officers, included a raised parapet wall and an extension to the existing fire escape.

The latest plans would add a 5m by 8.7m terrace in the middle of the new flat roof. It would be surrounded by a frameless glass barrier and accessed by extending the existing steel fire escape stairs.

The 12 objections mean the application must now be decided by Portsmouth City Council’s planning committee on September 9.

Objectors, including the Friends of Old Portsmouth Association, say the terrace would harm the character of the Conservation Area.

They have also raised concerns about overlooking and noise, while pointing to a similar glass balustrade proposal at 60A High Street which was refused only months ago.

The leaseholder group of the building has also objected, arguing that the plans would “deny access to the roof” and “limit light into the communal courtyard, which has provided a much-needed community green space.”

Planning officers are recommending that councillors approve the scheme.

A report to the committee says Fontenoy House is not a listed building and argues the terrace would be set well back from the edges of the roof.

It says the terrace would be up to 9.6m from the roof edges in places, meaning the glass barrier would be largely hidden from nearby streets and heritage buildings.

These include the Grade I-listed Square Tower and Cathedral of St Thomas. The council’s conservation officer has also raised no objection.