Plans for new Hindu temple in Milton move forward
Former Mr Pickwick’s pub site could become a Hindu temple and community hub.
Plans for a new Hindu temple on the former Mr Pickwick’s pub site are progressing following public consultation, with revised designs now on display.
As previously reported in June, local residents received leaflets from the applicants outlining plans for a “vibrant community hall and temple” that would be “open to all, irrespective of their faith”.
A planning application has now been submitted to Portsmouth City Council, setting out the proposed designs and explaining what the temple would offer the community for the derelict site at 142 Milton Road.
Planning documents state that the temple would primarily serve as a place of worship but would “naturally” become a “community hub for local Hindus, doing outreach and community welfare work”.
The documents add that attendance would “remain low throughout the week”, as there is “no single weekly event that gathers most worshippers on a set day, such as Sundays. The fluid attendance helps Hindu Temple in limiting their impact on the road network”.
The application also describes what visitors can expect inside the building.
“Upon entering the Temple, visitors will remove their shoes before visiting the main hall. The main hall is fitted with a series of shrines for individual deities centred around the primary deity shrine to which the temple is dedicated.”
The applicant carried out a consultation with the community and stakeholders, including the council, Milton Neighbourhood Forum and local residents.
The consultation “identified parking and traffic, particularly during football match days, as the principal concern.
“Other matters raised included potential impacts on daylight, sunlight, privacy and outlook, noise and disturbance associated with gatherings and community activities, deliveries and servicing, waste and construction activity.
“Several residents welcomed the redevelopment of the vacant site and the proposed community, cultural and educational uses.”
The proposed building would feature “high quality brickwork”, alongside “ornate traditional mouldings and sculptures”.
Residents can view the application and submit comments via Portsmouth City Council’s planning website, using reference 26/01075/FUL.
Hinduism is the world’s oldest major religion, originating in India more than 4,000 years ago. It has no single founder and encompasses a diverse range of beliefs, worship and traditions, with key concepts including dharma, karma, reincarnation and spiritual liberation.