Plans for former Debenhams store in Portsmouth that include 155 homes submitted

A planning application to regenerate the disused shop on the corner of Palmerston Road and Osborne Road has now been submitted.

If approved the development, which will be renamed Handleys' Corner, would include 155 homes and space on the ground floor for commercial use that could include shops and leisure facilities.

It is also planned two new storeys will be added, with a back building demolished to make way for a new block of housing, as well as underground parking for around 45 cars and ground level parking for 64 cars.

Chief executive of the developers National Regional Property Group, Shaun Adams, said: ‘We’re delighted with our plans for Handleys’ Corner. The new homes and commercial space on the ground floor will breathe new life back into the centre of Southsea.

‘We can’t wait to get the plans agreed by the city council and get started on site.

‘HGP Architects, based in Fareham, have designed a solution for the building which find the best use for the existing building, whilst bringing the site back into beneficial use. The design both respects the existing 1950s architecture of Handleys', whilst the new extension to the roof adds an attractive modern element.’

The application comes following two public consultation events where residents were asked to submit feedback, with many raising concerns about parking on site.

Mr Adams added: ‘As a local man myself, I understand only too well the frustration of parking in the centre of Southsea. That is why we’re providing enough parking spaces so that the residents or visitors of Handleys’ Corner won’t need to park on the street nearby.

‘We’re also looking into the potential for a green car club to reduce the need for car ownership amongst residents.’

The plans will now go to formal public consultation carried out by the city council before being determined at a later date.

To be kept up to date on the plans for the site visit handleyscorner.com.

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