Plans to demolish 'Fareham’s oldest business' approved to pave the way for new homes

Plans to demolish the historic home of Fareham’s oldest business have been approved, paving the way for a new block of affordable flats in the town centre.

Fareham Borough Council has given the green light to proposals to knock down the former Birks of Fareham building in West Street, ending more than a century of history tied to the well-known site.

The furniture store, which first opened in 1912, closed its doors for the final time more than two years ago.

Now, the council’s housing arm, Fareham Housing, is set to transform the vacant site at 130-136 West Street into a development of 23 flats and two commercial units.

Planning documents confirm that all existing buildings on the site will be demolished, including the distinctive Art Deco-style frontage of the original Birks building. Officers said the structure has been deemed “beyond economic repair”.

The scheme forms part of the council’s push to deliver more affordable housing within the borough.

A report published by a planning officer on July 17 said: “The development is being brought forward by Fareham Housing, as part of Fareham Borough Council, and will comprise 100 per cent affordable housing to accommodate residents on the council’s housing list.”

The report added that three letters of representation were received about the plans, with concerns surrounding the lack of parking and “loss of privacy” among the issues raised.

However, no other objections were made to the local authority by consultees.

In addition to the flats, the approved plans include two ground-floor commercial units, bin and cycle storage for both residents and businesses, and two off-street parking spaces at the rear of the site. A small office for Fareham Housing staff will also be created at the development.

Fareham Borough Council purchased the site from Mr Douglas Birks in 2024, setting the stage for its redevelopment.

Council planners said that redevelopment of the long-vacant site would bring much-needed housing and “renewed activity” to the area.

The scheme is expected to move forward in due course, with demolition marking the first step in reshaping the town centre location.

The formal decision to approve the plans was made on July 17.