Plans for new homeless accommodation in Portsmouth to be revisited

CONTROVERSIAL plans to convert a former care home into homeless accommodation in Portsmouth will be revisited.

Councillors are set to make a decision next week on the transformation of the disused Abbeyway House in Havant Road, in Drayton, into 13 self-contained flats, which will help former rough sleepers 'move on' to other accommodation.

The former Abbeyway care home in Drayton which could be turned into temporary accommodation for the homeless. Credit: The Society of St Jamesplaceholder image
The former Abbeyway care home in Drayton which could be turned into temporary accommodation for the homeless. Credit: The Society of St James
placeholder image
Read More
Decision on home less accommodation deferred

It comes after a row was sparked during a virtual planning meeting on July 22 when it was revealed the closing date for residents to make deputations was before the agenda for the meeting was actually released. Since then a total of 120 objections from residents about the plans have now been received.

At the previous meeting Conservative group leader, Councillor Donna Jones, said: 'We need to defer in the interest of democracy.'

Concerns included the number of units and parking spaces on site.

The meeting will be held virtually on Wednesday, August 12.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

Thank you for reading this story. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on our advertisers and thus our revenues.

The News is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news and information online.

Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism and campaign on your behalf for our city.

News you can trust since 1877
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice