Southampton resident submits only objection to Fratton Park redevelopment plans

JUST one objection has been raised over plans for a multi-million-pound redevelopment at Fratton Park – and it came from a long time Pompey supporter living in Southampton.
How the Milton North entrance of Fratton Park could look. Picture HGP ArchitectsHow the Milton North entrance of Fratton Park could look. Picture HGP Architects
How the Milton North entrance of Fratton Park could look. Picture HGP Architects

Blues fan Andrew Smith, from Southampton, submitted his concerns to Portsmouth City Council about plans for the redeveloped Milton End stand with fears over aesthetics and design.

He said: ‘The approach to Fratton Park from Frogmore Road is an iconic view in English football.

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‘But to imitate design elements in a mash-up of mock Tudor and classic Leitch ironwork far from being sympathetic detracts from the original structures.

How Specks Lane next to Fratton Park could look Picture HGP ArchitectsHow Specks Lane next to Fratton Park could look Picture HGP Architects
How Specks Lane next to Fratton Park could look Picture HGP Architects

‘When Arsenal FC redeveloped the North Bank at Highbury in the 1990s it didn't commission a mock Art Deco design to match the East and West stands built in the 1930s; it commissioned a contemporary design.

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‘Whilst the existing Milton End has no redeeming features, is not within a conservation area and not within the setting of a Listed Building, poor quality design should not be tolerated; indeed the thrust of government advice on design for a while has been to encourage higher standards.'

He added: ‘The Green Guide, as well as design guides issued by Uefa and Fifa, specify that spectators should enjoy an uninterrupted view of the pitch.

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‘The proposed design retains the columns supporting the roof at the front of the stand.’

He added: ‘I might currently be a Southampton resident but I have been a season ticket holder at Fratton Park for 40 years, was a member of the Portsmouth Supporters Trust stadium working group and was for a number of years chairman of Chichester District Council's planning committee.’

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