Gosport residents oppose plans for new ‘gated community’ at old QinetiQ site

Proposals have been made for 16 homes to be built at the former QinetiQ site in Fort Road, Gosport.

The gated community, planned by Gosport-based developer Gunboat No 1 Ltd, would use existing buildings like the test swimming pool, plus six new-build properties.

Already, Gosport Borough Council has received more than 130 public comments – many of which are against the development.

Residents are concerned that the development doesn’t suit Gosport's tight-knit community spirit, others fear the land would be better suited to different projects, and others fear a repeat of Fort Gilkicker – where several redevelopment plans have been mooted but never happened.

Richard Farrington from the Safeguarding Stokes Bay group said: ‘I believe something has to be done here, but it has to be the right development.

‘Having a gated community here just doesn’t feel right.

‘What’s more, the last thing we need is an expensive housing project that goes the same way as Fort Gilkicker. You would have thought lessons had been learned from that.’

The site was previously a defence research facility, but is still owned by QinetiQ and has planning permission for industrial use.

Developer Ian Knight previously told The News that these would be ‘very desirable high-specification, high-end units’ and hoped the community would support his firm’s plans.

But Robert Herron, who lives in Fort Road, has voiced a strong objection to the development.

He said: ‘The proposal includes a pedestrian/cycle path – but the path will impact on a known badger set and once the proposed new site fence is in place I cannot understand how there will be space for the path without encroaching on the already narrow highway.

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‘Whilst I agree the site needs to be improved I have serious reservations over the proposed development.’

Jurga Corbett, also from Fort Road, has opposed the application – though agrees that something should be done with the land.

She said: ‘The QinetiQ site has been an unpleasant sight in Fort Road for some time now and without a doubt steps need to be taken to resolve a number of issues it poses.

‘The proposed housing development on the site is not the only option what can be done with this site.

‘The community would benefit far more from a park or woodland in this area.’

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