'It's the tenth hour': Uproar over decision to demolish historic 18th century house to make way for new builds
A ‘historical’ house is set for demolition
An 18th century Georgian house described as “Gosport’s very own Jane Austen house” is due to be demolished to make way for new homes despite attracting widespread opposition from residents.
Privett Lodge, in Gosport, previously belonged to the affluent Carter family who were once one of the most prominent landowners in Hampshire with ties to major historical figures such as Florence Nightingale.
“The more you look into the house, the more it gives - It’s now the tenth hour,” local resident Jamie Williams said who is still hopeful it can be saved. “It’s a very rare building, it’s a Georgian house but it has a lot of Victorian interiors.
“Mayor Gregson lived and died there. He was the mayor during the second World War, he got an OBE and a Freedom of the City award, so there is so much history there.”
But over the years, the home has fallen into “wreck and ruin”, according to fellow neighbouring resident Malcolm Stimpson, who also objected to the developer’s plan to knock down the house to create six new homes. The application, which was submitted by developer, Alpine Homes Limited, was approved by Gosport Borough Council despite the opposition.
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The 74-year-old, who has lived in Privett Place since 1978, said: “A lot of people didn’t even know it was there and now they can’t believe it is going to be knocked down. It should’ve been turned into luxury flats instead - that’s what we would like really.
“We have all given up hope really if I’m honest - It hasn’t got to be knocked down. All of the residents feel the same but we are fighting a losing battle, the council made up their minds at the meeting.”
The residents in Privett Place have also raised concerns over plans to relocate the entrance driveway from its initial placement in Privett Road to Privett Place, with a petition launched in opposition.
“They are going to put the driveway in a dangerous part of the road and most of the residents are worried about it”, Mr Stimpson added.
The 43-year-old described the house, which has regency yellow brick, is brimming with hundreds of years of history, likening its importance to Gosport as similar to Jane Austen's House in Chawton.
He said: “It wasn’t successful on Historic England and I asked a year ago if I could do a local listing and I was told ‘absolutely not’ and it wouldn’t go through.
“They are demolishing it to build unaffordable houses. There has been so much local uproar from the residents. Every single person in Privett Road has put in an objection but it is just rolling through.
“Every time I’ve gone anywhere I’ve met a brick wall because planning has been approved.”
Mr Williams claims the council’s conservation officer failed to properly document the history of the building, but a council spokesperson said they are satisfied “all the relevant historical information was properly considered through the planning process.”
The Gosport Borough Council spokesperson continued: “The building has been carefully assessed by Historic England on two separate occasions. On both occasions, it was concluded that the property does not meet the criteria for listing or special protection.
Mr Williams added: “Everyone I’ve spoken to doesn't know what is happening - The house has got so much potential, it could be kept as a house
“The history of the house is fantastic - the family (Carter family) did so much for the community. When you start looking at it, it starts giving - the more you look, the more you think ‘wow, what a history.’”
Alpine Homes Limited and the application agent, Nova Planning Limited, have been approached for a comment.