Former Portsmouth pub could become convenience store under revised plans
The planning application includes a convenience store and two-bedroom flat above the derelict pub
Developers are making another attempt to convert a derelict Portsmouth pub into a convenience store, arguing the proposal would “enhance the local area”.
Further plans to turn the former Portland Arms in Stamshaw into a convenience store have been submitted to Portsmouth City Council.
The application seeks permission to change the use of the former public house, which is on the corner of Stamshaw Road and Weymouth Road in a mainly residential area.
The plans have been submitted by CPC Planning Consultants on behalf of applicant Joemon Kadapuram.
A previous application to convert the pub into a shop was refused by the council in October last year after planners said the proposed “opening hours would cause harm to residential amenity”.
The proposed opening hours for the new application are from 6am to 11pm, seven days a week.
Applicants lodged an appeal, which was dismissed by the planning inspectorate. Now a revised application has been submitted which includes a two-bedroom flat on the first floor.
It also proposes removing the pub signs, removing a rear canopy, blocking up a doorway and reinstating a front window that had previously been removed without permission.
Planning documents say the change of use would ”enhance the local area” by providing a convenience store “within walking distance and easy to get to”.
The planning statement responds to arguments that the loss of a pub was “considered detrimental to the social aspects of the local community” and the area is already has many convenience stores.
The report notes there are three convenience stores, 10 pubs and several takeaway businesses within a one-mile radius.
The applicant “does not dispute” that the area is already “well-served” by convenience stores but argues it is a “commercial decision” for the business to “make a go” of a new enterprise taking competition into account.
The Portland Arms closed in July 2024 before being sold through property advisers Christie & Co in April 2025 for an undisclosed sum.
No public comments have been submitted on the application so far. The plans can be viewed on the council’s planning portal under reference 26/00359/FUL.