Calls for decision on 17-flat development in Portsmouth to be re-examined

Homeowners in Southsea are calling on Portsmouth City Council to re-examine a decision to transform the disused Brewery House, in Hambrook Street, into 13 two-bedroom flats and four one-bedroom flats.

As part of the estimated £4m scheme, approved during a meeting on September 9, an extra storey would be added to the building and bike storage would be created in the basement. However, no car parking will be provided.

Nearby residents raised their concerns - including lack of parking, over-development and loss of privacy - against the council led-project through former councillor Alicia Denny, who submitted a deputation at the meeting.

However, they claim a petition against the site was not properly acknowledged.

In their complaint they said: 'The amended system for holding committee meetings virtually has had the result of making them less democratic and transparent.

'All comments and deputations by members of the public, especially petitions, made at any time during the application process should be read out in full at committee meetings so that they are recorded and given due consideration before decisions are made.'

Sheila Cooper who lives in neighbouring Copper Street believed the council had not 'thought it through.'

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The 78-year-old said: ' I just don't think they're considering people in the area at all. The parking is terrible around here as it is. There are 17 flats so that's 17 cars, where are they all going to park?

'The windows opposite looking straight down into my flat. I know people have got to move and live in places but I think it's too close and I think it's going to block out light. I never draw my curtains because I have very bad eyesight.'

But Ian Maguire, the council's assistant director of planning explained that virtual meetings were necessary due to Covid-19.

'All comments on planning applications are published on the council's website so that members of the planning committee can read and consider them before the meeting,' he said.

'These comments are also considered by the council's professional planning staff in coming to their recommendations to the committee, and summarised in the report published in the committee agenda. In addition to this, letters are sent to all residents that make comments on an application to invite them to submit further written comments which can be read out during the meeting.

'In the case of Brewery House one resident did take that opportunity and their further comments were read out to the committee. All other comments will of course have been reviewed by the committee prior to the meeting.'

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