First key step has been taken towards the demolition of the derelict Hilsea Lodge

A planning application has been submitted to confirm if prior approval is required for the demolition of Hilsea Lodge in Gatcome Drive, as well as its annexes, which would then pave the way for new supported and sheltered council housing.

If permission is not needed then the site can be demolished fairly quickly, however if permission is needed then the process will take a little longer.

As previously reported by The News, Hilsea Lodge was closed in 2019 alongside Edinburgh House in Cosham after they were both deemed to no longer provide the most appropriate type of care for people with dementia.

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Since then, Portsmouth City Council has progressed plans for a 50-bed extra care facility on the site of the latter with planning permission granted in 2022, with a revised plan for 60 beds approved last year.

In 2022 the council also revealed that a future use had been identified for Hilsea Lodge’s next development scheme, and that it would likely host either a physical disability extra care development, supported living or social housing.

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However since then no firm plan has been put forward and the empty building has instead become a target for vandals and people breaking in, leading to the council installing extra security fencing around the site last year.

The latest application, which includes a bat and a tree survey, confirms that the site would be cleared ‘to allow future redevelopment of the site for new supported and sheltered council housing’.

To view or comment on the plans visit the council’s planning portal and search for application 26/00007/DEM.

For the latest public notices from your area, please visit: https://publicnoticeportal.uk/