Plans to transform a former Lloyds bank into HMO are approved
A former bank in Portchester is set to be transformed into a six-bedroom home after plans were approved by Fareham Borough Council.
Following the green light on February 11, the vacant Lloyds Bank building at 18 West Street will be converted into a six-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), with retail space retained on the ground floor.
The scheme was scaled back from an initial proposal for a 10-bedroom HMO. Speaking on behalf of the applicant, City Estates, Ian Knight said the revised plans struck a balance that the developer felt “comfortable to support”.
Addressing concerns raised by some residents, Mr Knight also dismissed claims circulating locally that the property would be used to house illegal immigrants.
Mr Knight said: “The plan has only really met opposition from people who presumed it would be illegal immigrants coming into the building, but there’s no truth in that.
“The client has a lot of HMOs in the PO postcode area and none of them house asylum seekers.”
Support for the scheme came from local business owners Lilia Bitouche and Olivia Naylor, who submitted a written representation backing the application. The pair hope to open Papaya Play Café & Studio in the building’s ground-floor retail unit.
Mrs Bitouche, a local resident and mother, described the proposal as “a sensible and responsible use of existing space” in a central location close to transport links and amenities.
She said: “This proposal brings a currently underused building back to life.
“Homes above active ground-floor premises create energy, presence and passive surveillance. More residents living on the high street means more support for local shops, more activity and a stronger sense of community safety and belonging.”
She added that their business aims to create “somewhere that fosters connection, reduces isolation and strengthens community ties”.
While some councillors acknowledged reservations about HMOs in general, the committee ultimately backed the application.
Speaking at the planning committee, Cllr Chrissie Bainbridge said that although she was “not a fan” of HMOs, she recognised they can provide affordable housing options for people seeking independent living.
Supporting the application, Cllr Paul Nother said: “This seems to be a good fit. The retail space is just fantastic. It’s all good for Porchester’s regeneration.”
Cllr Ian Bastable agreed, saying: “The point about adding vibrancy back to Porchester town centre is an excellent and well-made one. If you’ve got people living there, you get footfall and a much more vibrant place.
“Bringing this building back into use is definitely something we should be in favour of.”
The application was approved unanimously by the planning committee.