Councillors approve Fontenoy House rooftop plans despite heritage concerns and objections

Councillors have approved plans for a rooftop extension and terrace at Fontenoy House in Old Portsmouth, despite concerns over the impact on the area’s heritage.

Portsmouth City Council’s planning committee approved plans for a three-bedroom flat and glass balustrade roof terrace on top of the three-storey block, which sits on the corner of High Street and Grand Parade.

The application attracted 12 objections, including from the Friends of Old Portsmouth Association, which said the terrace would harm the character of the conservation area.

The leaseholder group for the building 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”.

Cllr Carl Inman recused himself from the committee as he operates The Wellington, a pub neighbouring Fontenoy House, and objected to the plans through a deputation.

He said planning officers, who recommended approval, had “significantly underestimated” the heritage impact of the proposal.

He said the glass balustrade roof terrace, measuring 5m by 8.7m and enclosed by a 1m-high balustrade, would impact one of the “sensitive heritage settings in Portsmouth” and that approval could set a precedent for “further rooftop development” in the area.

In response to queries raised by Cllr Matthew Cordy, officers said the balustrade would preserve the character of the area as it would be suitably set back and largely hidden from nearby streets and at pedestrian level.

Cllr Joe Standen recommended refusal on the basis that the glass balustrade would be incongruous with the wider area, particularly given that the committee had refused a similar terrace on top of 60a High Street for similar reasons.

Cllr Lee Hunt disagreed, arguing that he was “almost persuaded” to refuse the application but that, taking the “wider context” into account, Fontenoy House is a 1950s building which “looks incongruous anyway” with the area.

He doubted that the proposal would have an “overwhelming adverse impact” and moved to approve the officer’s recommendation, with a condition that a swift box be installed.

Five councillors voted in favour of Cllr Hunt’s motion, while two voted against.