Developers seek to scrap basement car park at Handley’s Corner flats
Developers behind the former Debenhams on Palmerston Road have applied to remove a basement car park and reduce the number of parking spaces.
Plans to amend the parking provision for the redevelopment of the former department store have been submitted to Portsmouth City Council.
Handley’s Corner, which is split over two blocks, is set to provide 134 flats alongside commercial space.
The development is divided into Block A and Block B. Block A is largely complete and contains 98 flats above a GP surgery, vets and the recently welcomed Anytime Fitness gym. Block B, which began construction in October, will provide a further 36 flats.
Original planning permission proposed 105 parking spaces, split between 60 at surface level and 45 in a basement beneath Block A.
Now, applicants St Cross Homes Southsea are seeking to remove the basement car park entirely, replacing it with 90 on-site surface spaces and 12 spaces off Tonbridge Street.
In addition, the ground-floor commercial area of Block A is 100 sqm smaller than originally approved.
Applicants claim that large structural cross braces, reinforced steel joists and a new sprinkler system have blocked vehicle circulation or reduced the height of the car park, making it “difficult or impossible” for taller vehicles to pass through.
The site sits within resident parking zone KC, which is already 116 per cent over capacity.
Cycle parking provision has increased to 250 spaces, with most located in the basement. However, earlier plans for lift access for cyclists have been changed to stairs with cycle ramps.
Five objections have been submitted by residents and groups including the Portsmouth Cycle Forum, who argue that the stair-only access would breach the council’s public sector equality duty by excluding people with disabilities.
One comment read: “The development consists of 134 flats which means that taking the average car ownership in the UK of 1.2 cars that there will be 161 more cars fighting in an area that already seems to lack enough spaces for the existing residents.
“With the new retail space, surgery etc. it will also bring additional cars in addition to the new residents. The original plan was passed on the basis of the basement car park included”
The application is due to be determined on February 4.