Residents object to plans for 20 new homes in Southsea

A CITY community has united against plans for 20 'densely built' new homes on a site formerly earmarked for a care home.
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Residents have made their objections known to proposals for 14 houses and six flats on an empty patch of land between Silver Street, Stone Street and Gold Street in Southsea.

A total of 13 residents, one residents' association, a church and a nursery have challenged the plans by writing to the council.

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A petition raising concerns over the density of the development, loss of sunlight and loss of trees has been signed by 71 people.

How the new homes in Silver Street could look. Picture: Pwp ArchitectsHow the new homes in Silver Street could look. Picture: Pwp Architects
How the new homes in Silver Street could look. Picture: Pwp Architects
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If approved at a future date the development would include 14 garages, four car parking spaces and space for 36 bike, and would retain a trees on the tree road frontages. The site would be accessed through Diamond Street.

In a design statement on behalf of developers Yeoman Property Developments Ltd, PWP Architects said: 'The good quality housing efficiently re-employing underused brown field land in the city of Portsmouth offers an obvious social benefit.

'Housing need within the city remains high and developments of this scale 20 plus units should have an impact on figures the local authority are required to provide.'

How the new homes in Silver Street could look. Picture: Pwp ArchitectsHow the new homes in Silver Street could look. Picture: Pwp Architects
How the new homes in Silver Street could look. Picture: Pwp Architects
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The site already has planning permission for the construction of a 90-bed care home.

However, PWP Architects added: 'Although a material start was made on the care home, the changes to the care home market and lack of enthusiasm of lending organisations to get involved in the project has led to a ‘rethink’ of potential uses for the vacant site.'

In her objection the manager of the neighbouring St Jude's Church Nursery, Levinia Glanville, said: 'We have seen the planning application for 20 dwellings and I am concerned regarding the access road being made in Diamond Street.

'Our nursery fire exit door opens onto Diamond Street and I am worried that whilst building work is underway how accessible this road will be should we need to evacuate the nursery in the event of a fire – we can have up to 60 children and 15 staff exiting this fire door onto Diamond Street.'

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Amanda O'Reilly, the chairwoman of the Castle Road and Area Residents Association, added: 'We understood this area had been dedicated for an OAP home and are shocked to see the plans for the densely built housing project.

'The buildings are too dense and too close to the boundary and will block light for the residents living on the surrounding streets.'

As reported, a temporary mobile phone mast could be installed on the site in the meantime.

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