Plans for two new affordable homes in Portsmouth rejected and branded a potential 'magnet for drug dealing'

Members of Portsmouth's planning committee slammed proposals for two two-bedroom flats that would have been linked to the recently completed development of 70 affordable homes in Goldsmith Avenue, in Fratton.

Applicant Vivid Homes was unable to submit plans for the two additional flats at the same time as the others due to the availability of the land.

However councillors had several concerns about the scheme, including the lack of direct vehicle access to the homes - the closest cars could get would be the car park of the neighbouring 70 homes.

Pedestrians would be able to get to the homes through an alley between the other homes and a Caribbean restaurant.

Speaking at a planning meeting Councillor Steve Pitt said: 'It's no pleasure to have to be here to oppose to potentially affordable units anywhere in the city.

'It is quite clear to me this is an opportunistic piecemeal development.

'How will the residents move in and out? And if they're getting a three-piece suite delivered the lorry will have to stop on the pedestrian crossing and they'll have to lug it in.'

Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson agreed. 'This has all the hallmarks of something that will create anti-social behaviour and crime,’ he said.

'The entrance is just opposite the pedestrian crossing with places for people to hide. This will be a magnet for drug dealing.'

Cllr Claire Udy also had concerns about waste from the flats. She said: 'Any minor inconvenience for Biffa and they will not pick up waste.'

However, Matthew Williams, speaking on behalf of Vivid, said: 'As a developer working in mainly urban areas these are issues we are aware of and we will do everything we can to meet the planning department's recommendations.

'The scheme regenerates the last part of a derelict brownfield site which needs housing thereby protecting our open spaces and replacing an eyesore with a visually stimulating building.'

Three councillors voted to reject the application and one voted against the rejection.