Regeneration of Havant's most historic quarter moves a step forward

Fresh plans have been submitted to Havant Borough Council to build a four-storey apartment block that is in keeping with East Street’s Georgian and Victorian architecture.

If approved, it would be the final link of three new apartment blocks, linking The Havant Club to the old Streets building, which is also earmarked for regeneration.

East Street was once Havant’s most attractive thoroughfare and had a variety of shops.

But over the past two decades shops have closed and many buildings have been left to deteriorate.

The new apartment blocks are set to replace one-storey buildings.

Tim Dawes, a member of Havant Civic Society, said: ‘The fact they are single storey, I think detracts from the look of East Street.

‘Creating two or three-storey buildings on that site makes great sense.

‘If it’s a good design, I personally would welcome it. I would have preferred shops on the ground floor.’

However, Mr Dawes was concerned there had not been a masterplan.

He added: ‘The real problem is there’s no co-ordinated attempt to plan the town.’

Ann Buckley, who lives in Havant and is campaigning to smarten up the town, said: ‘I would be glad to see the final site developed and they can hopefully work together and get the whole of that frontage worked out.

‘However, I did think the pillars on the building made it look placid looking.’

The council has received one comment from a resident. Carol Atkins wrote: ‘The street is too narrow for a four-storey building. It will block out natural light and create a dark and crowded area.’

The plans have been submitted by Paul Thomas and include four apartments. His report states: ‘The scheme should would both conserve and enhance the character and appearance of this part of East Street.’