Plans for 41 new homes in Gosport tower block are thrown out by council
A FIVE-YEAR battle between developers and councillors is set to rumble on after proposals for a block of flats were turned down once again.
Primadore Limited submitted an application for 41 homes to be built on the old Crewsaver site in Mumby Road, Gosport.
The six-storey waterfront tower block has been in the pipeline for more than half a decade, with previous bids for a nine-storey building rejected.
The site was due to contain 12 one-bedroom and 29 two-bedroom flats, with one parking space per home.
But the new-look design has now also been ditched by Gosport Borough Council, after councillors raised concerns about a lack of parking for residents.
Councillor Richard Earle said: ‘There are simply not enough parking spaces so people will end up parking on the road and causing mayhem.
'This entire development worries me because it looks like a stack of boxes that have been shoehorned into this inadequate little space, and if the car park floods then everyone’s cars will be underwater.
‘I just can’t think of anything about this development that I like, so it’s a no from me.’
Cllr Alan Scard agreed with the comments of other politicians, but also launched a verbal attack on the developers.
He said: ‘What concerns me is that this development was actually approved in 2014, for four stories and 31 flats – so go ahead and build it.
‘But no, the developer is being greedy by coming back time and again to up the number of apartments. It’s not acceptable.’
A previous decision by the council went to the planning inspectorate on appeal, although this was dismissed.
Past applications have also been turned down due to parking concerns, despite developers suggesting that people can park in North Cross Street, or use public transport.
Representing the developer, Matthew Pickup said: ‘In order to provide adequate parking provision, the number of flats was reduced to 41.
‘In addition, your officers are supportive of the proposed building siting, scale, design and appearance.
‘Given the delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, my clients are keen to begin working on-site.’
Council officers had proposed granting planning permission, but councillors voted unanimously against the proposals.