Plans for 21 new student homes in centre of Portsmouth to be considered

Portsmouth councillors are set to debate an application for a new four-storey building in Middle Street, in Somers Town, which will include student accommodation and a ground floor commercial unit, during a virtual planning meeting next week.

If approved an existing two-storey building will be demolished to make way for the development.

Earlier plans for the site were ruled out by the committee in December 2019 due to the failure to 'retain employment uses’ on its ground floor.

Tom Vail, from applicant PV Developments Limited, said: ‘As a result of this recent refusal we have undertaken to alter the design on the application to incorporate a ground floor commercial space for employment use to meet the local policy.

‘The ground floor commercial space will enable existing traders to be accommodated - improving the area dramatically from a run-down, unfit-for-purpose commercial warehouse industrial block.’

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But resident John Tarrant, who runs neighbouring Sunrise Stained Glass, had concerns about car parking, as no spaces will be provided as part of the development.

In an objection he said: ‘There are no loading or delivery or ground floor storage facilities for the commercial unit and it will remove eight off road parking spaces. The ground floor business unit will attract further parking demand.

‘The insufficiency of delivery access for existing businesses in Middle Street results in double parking for loading and is hazardous.’

PV Developments has also submitted an application to Portsmouth City Council for a neighbouring 11-storey block that will provide 163 flats as well as retail space, and it is thought this will be heard by the committee soon.

Mr Vail added: ‘Providing housing is the bedrock of any community, This is the first phase of a larger redevelopment plan for the area to bring life into this part of the city.

'A comprehensive approach has been taken for the local needs to incorporate a small element of student housing alongside much needed residential accommodation for rent.’

The planning committee meeting will take place at 2pm on Wednesday, June 3. It can be viewed via the council website.

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